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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>COLUMBIA – State Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, is hoping the seventh time is the charm.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>That debate is expected to begin this week.</p>
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<p>The bill passed the Senate Medical Affairs Committee last year but opposition stopped a floor debate before the session ended in May.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>The bill permits the use of cannabis through ointments, sprays, vapors but regulations against the smoking of marijuana remain in place.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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