From staff reports
COLUMBIA – State Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, is hoping the seventh time is the charm.
For the past seven years, Davis has been trying to convince his colleagues to pass a medical marijuana bill, which in its current rendition is considered the most conservative medical marijuana bill in the country.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, endorsed the bill Tuesday and Senators who returned to work last week agreed that S-150, officially called the Compassionate Care Act, would be the first piece of legislation to be debated this year and that no other bills would be considered until a vote by the full Senate takes place.
That debate is expected to begin this week.
The bill passed the Senate Medical Affairs Committee last year but opposition stopped a floor debate before the session ended in May.
The biggest opponent to the bill is head of the State Law Enforcement Division and the state Sheriff’s Association who content it will lead to recreational use.
The bill permits the use of cannabis through ointments, sprays, vapors but regulations against the smoking of marijuana remain in place.
Thirty-six states already have medical marijuana bills and supporters, many of whom suffer from cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues that are traditionally dealt with opioids.
