Saving SC Hemp: Why the 2026 Legislative Session Is a Critical Turning Point

By David Spang, Vice President of SCAHA

South Carolina’s hemp industry is at a critical turning point. What began as a federally legal agricultural program under the 2018 Farm Bill has grown into a vital part of our state’s economy, supporting farmers, manufacturers, and thousands of consumers.

Over the 8+ years that we have had legal hemp, my team and I at Coastal Green Wellness have stayed at the forefront, offering as many compliant products as we have access to. But as this industry has grown, it has become clear that we couldn't just stay behind the counter—we needed to join the fight on the legislative front.

My Role in Protecting Your Access

I was an early supporter of the South Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association (SCAHA), the state chapter of the American Healthy Alternatives Association. Our main goal is simple: keep hemp products legal and safe for consumers.

Over two years ago, I decided to contribute more than just financial support. I took on the role of Vice President of SCAHA and have been at the front lines of our legislative efforts here in South Carolina. This hasn't been about titles; it’s been about the work:

Hosting industry fundraisers to fuel our advocacy.
Interacting directly with the South Carolina Legislature to educate them on the industry.
Drafting and submitting comprehensive regulatory bills.
Monitoring and pushing back against legislation aimed at restricting our industry.

My goal is to get a full regulatory framework in place that supports local shops and, most importantly, keeps South Carolina consumers safe.

The Current State of Hemp in South Carolina

Although the 2018 Farm Bill allowed the industry to flourish nationwide, South Carolina has continued to operate with very little legal oversight. On one hand, this gave small businesses like mine room to grow. On the other hand, it allowed "bad actors" to enter the market and take advantage of the lack of rules.

South Carolina has fallen behind our neighbors in the Southeast. Currently, there are no state guidelines for:

Product Testing
Packaging and Labeling Standards
Dosing Guidelines
Retail Licensing

This lack of clarity has created confusion over what is actually legal. While many reputable businesses have been self-imposing these standards for years, I made it our mission at Coastal Green Wellness early on to self-abide by the regulations that should be in place.

2026 Legislative Alert: The Bills We Are Watching

Over the last two years, we’ve made multiple attempts to fully regulate the industry. However, we are also playing "defense" against bills that would completely ban or over-regulate us.

House Bill 4758: The Prohibition Bill

This is the single biggest danger we face. It recently passed a full committee in the House and may soon go to a floor vote. HB 4758 effectively bans all consumable hemp products.

House Bill 4759: The "Alcohol Monopoly" Bill
This bill is equally detrimental. It limits hemp beverages to 5mg of THC and mandates that they only be sold through liquor stores and the three-tier alcohol system. By banning almost all other consumable products—over 90% of the current market—this bill hands the remaining crumbs over to the alcohol industry. It would strip away the industry that local businesses have been building for nearly a decade.

House Bill 3924: The Opportunity for Regulation

This bill passed the House in 2025 and is currently in the Senate. This is the main bill we have been trying to amend to create a full regulatory framework that protects both the industry and the consumer.

Strengthening Our Leadership and Advocacy

To win this fight, we have assembled a professional Legislative Affairs Team made up of industry professionals with decades of experience. We are unified in our goal: keeping hemp legal and accessible for consumers and small businesses alike.

New Executive Leadership

We are also proud to share that SCAHA recently welcomed our new Executive Director, Zach Serrins. His arrival strengthens our organization’s leadership during what is arguably the most important legislative year for hemp in South Carolina's history. With Zach’s contributions, an active lobbying team, and consistent communication with lawmakers, SCAHA serves as the vital bridge between the hemp industry and state government.

Why Organizations Like SCAHA Matter

Without organized advocacy, hemp businesses would be left reacting to legislation after the decisions are already made. SCAHA ensures that:

Industry voices are heard early in the legislative process.
Lawmakers receive accurate education about hemp science.
Regulation is shaped thoughtfully, not rushed through in a panic.

Regulation vs. Prohibition: What’s Really at Stake?

At the heart of every bill introduced this session is one central question: Should South Carolina regulate hemp—or attempt to eliminate it?

Most hemp advocates, farmers, and wellness businesses agree that regulation is necessary. But regulation should mean:

Clear testing and transparent labeling.
Age limits (21+) and consumer safety protections.
Not blanket bans that ignore federal law, punish responsible businesses, or remove access for adults who rely on hemp for sleep, pain, and anxiety.

Why Saving SC Hemp Matters

The hemp industry is not a "loophole"—it is a federally recognized agricultural program. In South Carolina, it supports local farmers, manufacturing jobs, and small, family-owned businesses.

Eliminating or severely restricting hemp won't stop the demand; it will simply push consumers toward unregulated markets or out-of-state purchases. Smart regulation keeps products safer, keeps dollars in our state, and protects you.

How Can You Help?

The best way you can help is by supporting the businesses that choose to support the industry. By purchasing from shops that are standing up and taking this fight head-on, you are helping fund the entire legislative effort. This is an expensive, uphill battle, and it's exactly why SCAHA exists.

What You Can Do Today:

Stay Alert: We have issued multiple "Calls to Action" over the last two years—please stay on the lookout for more.
Speak Up: Reach out to your local legislators in a calm, reasonable way. Simply let them know why these products are important to your daily life.
Watch Your Inbox: Keep an eye on our emails for updates as this legislative session continues.

We are in this together. Saving SC hemp means protecting our farmers, our small businesses, and your right to wellness.