The bill H. 3018 aims to amend Section 44-53-370 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to legalize the possession of up to twenty-eight grams (one ounce) of marijuana or ten grams of hashish for certain veterans diagnosed with service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This legislative change is motivated by the high rates of PTSD among veterans and the associated increased risk of suicide, as well as the ineffectiveness and side effects of traditional PTSD medications. The bill seeks to provide veterans with a potentially beneficial treatment option without the fear of criminal penalties.

Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language that exempts veterans with an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, who have been diagnosed with service-connected PTSD, from being charged with possession of the specified amounts of marijuana or hashish. Additionally, it maintains existing penalties for possession of controlled substances while allowing for conditional discharge and participation in pretrial intervention programs for those charged with marijuana or hashish possession. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-53-370
Latest Version: 44-53-370
12/06/2024: 44-53-370