Yes, THCA is legal in South Carolina if derived from hemp containing ≤0.3% Delta-9 THC, aligning with the 2018 Farm Bill and state hemp statutes. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) enforces compliance via licensed growers and processors, with no explicit THCA-specific bans. However, products must avoid misbranding or unapproved claims under S.C. Code §46-55-10 et seq.
Key Regulations for THCA in South Carolina
- Hemp-Derived Status: THCA is legal only if sourced from federally compliant hemp (≤0.3% Delta-9 THC post-decarboxylation), per SCDA’s 2023 Hemp Program Rules. Non-compliant THCA (e.g., from marijuana) remains Schedule I under S.C. Code §44-53-190.
- Testing & Labeling: All THCA products require SCDA-approved lab testing for potency and contaminants, with labels disclosing total THC content and origin. Misleading labels (e.g., “non-psychoactive”) violate S.C. Code §39-15-100.
- Retail Restrictions: THCA products cannot be sold to minors or marketed for recreational use. Local ordinances (e.g., Charleston County’s 2024 retail zoning rules) may impose additional dispensation limits.
Note: The SCDA’s 2026 compliance shift tightens THCA extraction methods, banning synthetic conversion processes unless pre-approved. Violations trigger civil penalties under S.C. Code §46-55-310.