COLUMBIA, S.C. - A new statewide survey shows South Carolinians overwhelmingly support keeping all hemp-derived products legally available in the state, when paired with reasonable, responsible regulation. The poll, commissioned by the South Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association and conducted by Opinion Diagnostics, found 73% of registered voters prefer regulated sales with safeguards over a total or partial ban, with just 20% of South Carolinians favoring either an outright ban or limiting sales to liquor stores. An overwhelming 78% of respondents favor maintaining access to hemp-derived consumable products in South Carolina.
“The survey shows South Carolinians’ deep support for keeping all hemp-derived products safe and available,” said Zachary Serrins, executive director of South Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association. “A total or partial ban would not only violate the public trust, but also hurt South Carolina small business owners. We look forward to continuing our work with lawmakers to put in place reasonable, responsible safeguards that protect consumers, restrict access to products to 21+, and help businesses.”
The survey of 816 registered voters shows strong support for lawmakers to pass laws allowing the comprehensive regulation of all hemp-derived products rather than a full or partial ban, despite just 43% of respondents indicating they had ever used a hemp-derived consumable product.
- Just 13% of voters support a complete ban on hemp-derived products
- 45% of voters are less likely to support a representative who votes for a total ban
- 58% of respondents said requiring age verification and limiting sales to adults 21 and over are the most important safeguards
- The majority of Republican and Democratic voters agree on a regulated approach
Support for hemp products is tied directly to voters’ perceived benefits for health:
- 72% of respondents said they are more likely to support legal hemp after hearing it helps military veterans manage PTSD and pain
- 73% support it as a tool for terminal patients to find relief
- 64% of voters said they are more likely to support regulated hemp products if the revenue could help fund education, roads, and infrastructure
The survey was conducted February 20-24, 2026, among registered South Carolina voters. The study utilized a stratified random sample and has a margin of error of ±3.4% with 95% confidence.
More details, including topline results and crosstabs, are available here.