COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The South Carolina Cannabis Coalition held its Third Annual Capitol Rally at the State House. Dozens of people voiced their concerns to protest laws and regulations surrounding cannabis.
“For one, it’s a shame that California is almost 30 years legalized in cannabis, and we still right here fighting,” said protester Teedo Gonzalez.
Teedo Gonzalez was one of dozens Friday advocating for the benefits of cannabis and the end of its prohibition in the Palmetto State.
He was fighting for the same change as Bob Chapman, founder of the South Carolina Cannabis Coalition.
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Chapman said the rally on Friday aimed to bring awareness to legalizing the treatment options and says despite the stigma surrounding the drug, a lot of patients could benefit from its use.
“We have to catch up to the other states,” Chapman said, “Patients need to have access to whatever medicine works best for them, and for a lot of patients, cannabis is what works.”
Advocates in South Carolina say legalizing medical marijuana also makes economic sense. They estimate the state could bring in $100 million annually by taxing marijuana.
They also estimate the state could save $100 million annually in law enforcement and court costs.
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Despite the economic benefits, Opposition from groups including law enforcement has thwarted efforts at the State House in recent years to legalize medical marijuana, including a bill that failed in 2022.
Retired Nurse Corps Officer Michael Harvey expressed his concerns with this and feels more lives could be saved if marijuana was a legal treatment option.
He has watched veterans use and abuse opioids and other drugs to find relief and says marijuana is far safer by comparison.
“We saw opioids take 81,083 lives in the United States in 2023,” Harvey said, “Cannabis has yet to end the life of any individual using plant medicine by overdose.
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