Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. South Carolina law
Cannabis laws in Charleston 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
Charleston police might have other priorities, but people expected a bust if an officer actually saw weed. Mount Pleasant had a tougher reputation, and Isle of Palms felt more heavily watched near the Windjammer and other beach restaurants.
Where to Buy Marijuana
The best flower tended to come through a contact. Visitors sometimes met people near the College of Charleston, the Music Farm and the nearby parking garages. On Isle of Palms, indie kids and the local smoking crowd knew who was around. Looking like a tourist could make things harder.
Marijuana Prices
- General quote: around US$50 for an eighth
- Schwag: US$10 for an eighth
- Beasters or mids: US$20–30 for an eighth
- Kush: US$30–50 for an eighth
- Northern Lights: US$50–70 for an eighth, depending on availability and the contact
- Black Russian, Afghan Kush, hash and other premium stock varied, often at a steep price
Types of Marijuana
Mostly beasters and lower-grade Kush, though a really good batch of Kush sometimes appeared. Better flower often arrived in the weeks before holidays as demand went up.
More Information
Private homes were the quieter choice in the account. Openly smoking around busy places drew notice.