South Carolina Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on South Carolina hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of August 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

South Carolina, USA hemp laws: quick overview

South Carolina’s Hemp Farming Act (S.C. Code Ann. Title 46, Chapter 55, § 46‑55‑10 et seq.) defines “hemp” as Cannabis sativa L. and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers with a delta‑9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 % on a dry weight basis, matching federal law ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?category=CODEOFLAWS&conid=9247421&keyval=966&numrows=10&result_pos=200&search=DOC&searchtext=vehicle&utm_source=openai)). The SCDA enforces that total THC post‑decarboxylation must not exceed 0.3 %, and levels above 0.5 % constitute a “negligent violation,” potentially triggering permit suspension after three violations in five years ([agriculture.sc.gov](https://agriculture.sc.gov/permits-and-inspections/hemp/hemp-applications/?utm_source=openai)). House Bill 3924 (2026) adds Chapter 56 to Title 46, regulating consumable hemp products. It defines hemp‑cannabinoid beverages and sets limits: delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3 % dry weight and ≤ 10 mg per serving; only sold in licensed liquor stores; provisions effective October 1, 2026 ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3924_20260304.htm?utm_source=openai)). Additionally, amendments to Chapter 55 prohibit online sales, direct shipments, and smokable hemp flower/prerolls; violations are misdemeanors with fines/imprisonment and products are contraband ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260204.htm?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of consumable hemp products into South Carolina are prohibited under § 46‑55‑70; direct shipments or online sales to residents are illegal and subject to misdemeanor penalties ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260204.htm?utm_source=openai)). Non‑consumable hemp (e.g., biomass) may be transported through SC if compliant with delta‑9 ≤ 0.3 % ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260204.htm?utm_source=openai)). Age verification: consumable hemp products (e.g., beverages) may only be sold to persons 21+ and must be sold in licensed liquor stores under H. 3924 ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3924_20260304.htm?utm_source=openai)). Retailer registration: processors, handlers, and farmers must hold SCDA permits under Title 46, Chapter 55 ([agriculture.sc.gov](https://agriculture.sc.gov/permits-and-inspections/hemp/hemp-applications/?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

SCDA requires testing protocols measuring delta‑9 THC post‑decarboxylation (i.e., total THC) ≤ 0.3 % dry weight; > 0.5 % is negligent violation ([agriculture.sc.gov](https://agriculture.sc.gov/permits-and-inspections/hemp/hemp-applications/?utm_source=openai)). Laboratories must issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for consumable hemp products as defined in H. 3924 ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260129.htm?utm_source=openai)). ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not explicitly mentioned in available sources; COA retention requirements are not specified—these fields are null.

What to buy

Products derived from hemp with delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3 % dry weight are legal. As of now, hemp‑derived cannabinoids including delta‑8, delta‑10, THCA, HHC, etc., are permitted under the broad statutory definition, provided delta‑9 THC limit is met ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/is-delta-8-thc-illegal-in-south-carolina/?utm_source=openai)). Hemp‑cannabinoid beverages with ≤ 10 mg THC per serving (and ≤ 0.3 % delta‑9) will be legal after October 1, 2026, sold only in licensed liquor stores ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3924_20260304.htm?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid smokable hemp flower or prerolls—they are prohibited for sale to the general public under § 46‑55‑70 amendments ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260204.htm?utm_source=openai)). Avoid direct shipment or online purchase of consumable hemp products—they are illegal ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/hj26/20260204.htm?utm_source=openai)). Be cautious: while delta‑8, delta‑10, THCA, HHC are currently allowed under broad definitions, H. 3924 may restrict “intoxicating hemp products” beyond beverages after October 1, 2026 ([scstatehouse.gov](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260129.htm?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3 % dry weight per SC Code Ann. § 46‑55‑10 (aligns with federal)
• Total THC > 0.5 % post‑decarboxylation = negligent violation (SCDA rule)
• Hemp‑derived consumables (e.g., beverages) limited to ≤ 10 mg THC per serving under H. 3924 (effective Oct 1 2026)
• Online/direct shipments of consumable hemp products into SC are prohibited per § 46‑55‑70
• Smokable hemp flower/prerolls prohibited per § 46‑55‑70 amendments
• Processor, handler, farming permits required via SCDA under Title 46, Chapter 55

Helpful resource: Learn more about South Carolina, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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