South Carolina Republican Governor Candidates Say They Are Open to Medical Marijuana Legalization

Both Republican candidates in South Carolina’s gubernatorial runoff say they are open to legalizing medical marijuana, marking a notable moment in one of the few states that still has no legal marijuana program.

During Tuesday’s South Carolina Republican Party runoff debate, the final debate in a series held across the state, the moderator asked: “There’s been a recent push nationwide to legalize marijuana. Even ruby red states like Alabama and Oklahoma have legalized its medical use. South Carolina in fact is one of roughly three or four states that has not legalized any use. Do you believe there is a pathway for at least the medical use of marijuana to be legalized right here in South Carolina?”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said she would be willing to consider a medical marijuana bill if lawmakers sent her one as governor, but only if it was narrowly written.

“If the General Assembly can bring me as governor a piece of legislation that doesn’t end up being an open door to recreational use, I would heavily sit down and look at that,” Evette said.

She added that she would “bring in experts and doctors” to make sure the law was tightened in a way that would “really help those who medically need it.”

Wilson gave a more direct answer, saying, “Yes. I would be open to on the medical side.”

Wilson said he remains opposed to recreational marijuana, but said he agrees with the Trump administration’s decision to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law.

“I have always taken the position and agree with what the Trump administration did by rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III,” Wilson said. “What that means is it can be studied for medical applications.”

Wilson pointed specifically to veterans with PTSD, as well as people with seizures, chronic illnesses and terminal conditions.

“If there is a possibility that we can derive some use from the medical applications of that, then South Carolina should follow suit with what the federal government is doing and have clearly defined laws and regulations that prevent it from being abused,” Wilson said. “I would be open to the medical use of it.”

South Carolina remains one of the only states in the nation without any form of legal marijuana access. Multiple medical marijuana proposals have been filed in recent years, but none have been enacted into law.

The comments are significant given that the winner of the Republican runoff will advance to the November general election in a state where Republicans have long controlled the governor’s office and Legislature.

The Democratic nominee, Jermaine Johnson, has also expressed support for medical marijuana legalization. Johnson’s campaign has said he supports a “smarter, more responsible approach to marijuana policy,” including legalizing medical marijuana for patients. A recent report from SC Daily Gazette also noted that Democratic gubernatorial candidates agreed medical marijuana should be legalized, though none proposed legalizing marijuana for recreational use.