South Carolina Hemp Legalization

South Carolina began licensing hemp farmers for the first time in 2018. The state licensed 40 growers to produce hemp in 2018, limiting each to 40 acres, for a total potential of 1,600 acres.

On March 28, 2019, Governor Henry D. McMaster signed into law a bill that expands the number of farmers who can participate in the state’s hemp program and the amount of acreage they can grow.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved South Carolina’s Hemp Farming State Plan. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) regulates hemp production in South Carolina.

Each hemp farmer, processor, or handler shall obtain a permit from SCDA prior to engaging in the regulated activity. A person applying for multiple permits must complete a permit application and submit the associated fee for each application:

  • Hemp Farmer Permit – $1,000.
  • Hemp Processor Permit – $3,000.
  • Hemp Handler Permit – $1,000.

South Carolina Hemp Industry Statistics

Combined with the original 40 growers, who were issued permits in October of 2018, there were 114 permitted hemp farmers from across 35 counties in 2019.

Some 350 people applied to farm hemp in South Carolina in 2020 according to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. There were about 270 permitted hemp farmers, 14 processors and 14 handlers.

In 2021-2022, the amount of registered outdoor acreage and indoor square feet significantly declined as a result of oversupply and market correction across the industry. In 2022, 190 growers, 8 processors and 9 handlers were licensed in the state. The National Cannabis Reports show about 320 acres were planted in South Carolina in 2021 and 350 acres were planted in 2022.

In 2023, 193 growers, 9 processors and 7 handlers received permits in the state.

Source: hempcbdbusinessplans.com


South Carolina Hemp Industry Infographics


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