Medical Marijuana Bill Passes SC State Senate

South Carolina senators approved the use of medical marijuana in the state on a 28-15 vote on Wednesday. Seventeen Republicans voted for the bill and 10 opposed. The bill has been a crusade for Republican Sen. Tom Davis for seven years. Davis said his proposal would be one of the most conservative among the 37 states that have approved medical marijuana.

The proposal specifies the illnesses that could be treated, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, sickle cell anemia and autism. The marijuana could be obtained only through specially chosen pharmacies, as well. Additionally, smoking it would remain illegal in South Carolina. Instead, patients would have to use oils, salves, patches or vaporizers. Doctors would have to meet patients in person and patients could only get a two-week supply at one time.

The bill is set to move next to the House, which must approve it before the General Assembly session ends in May. Gov. Henry McMaster has said his position on medical marijuana is evolving, but he refused to say, should the bill reaches his desk, whether or not he would sign it.