Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. South Carolina law
Cannabis laws in Beaufort follow South Carolina’s state law. For travelers, the jurisdiction’s law is the controlling standard—cities usually don’t define cannabis legality.
Recreational use of cannabis is illegal. A limited program permits low-THC cannabis products for certain qualifying medical conditions. Possession outside this program carries legal penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Limited (low-THC)
- Possession: Illegal except under limited program
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Beaufort officers varied. One might take the weed and send you on your way, while another might write a ticket. Simple possession could run upwards of US$500. Community service and a clear record were described as possible for some first-time offenders, depending on the judge.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Young people from across Beaufort’s communities smoked, and a friendly conversation at the beach might lead to a shared joint. St. Helena Island and Grays Hill also came up, often around gas stations. It helped to go with someone who knew the area. Most gas stations carried cigars and papers. Hash was a different story. It was rarely seen.
Marijuana Prices
- US$10 for 1–2 g
- US$30–50 for a quarter ounce (about 7 g)
- US$100–140 for an ounce
Types of Marijuana
Hydro, Purple Haze and Kush could turn up through the right person.
More Information
Smoking openly downtown in Port Royal or Beaufort drew attention. Some people preferred a spot in the woods they could walk to, though those were hard to find. Someone’s house was the usual fallback.