Veterans & Special Needs
Empowering Wellness and Relief through Compassionate Support for Those Who Serve and Those in Need
Ensuring Safe Access and Informed Wellness for Our Community
At South Carolina Better Wellness Alternatives (SCBWA), we are dedicated to ensuring that high-need populations, including Veterans and individuals managing severe or chronic health conditions (such as epilepsy, PTSD, and complex pain), can find and access compliant hemp and CBD products safely. We provide clear education and strong advocacy to support your wellness journey.
We recognize the unique challenges faced by veterans and individuals with special needs, and we believe that access to safe, legal cannabis products can be a vital part of their wellness journey. Our Veterans & Special Needs Program is designed to provide comprehensive support.
- Outreach
Targeted Outreach
At SCBWA, we actively reach out to veteran organizations, disability advocacy groups, and other community partners to raise awareness about our program and resources.
Our current objective is to reach out to the South Carolina VFW Posts and American Legion Posts to share educational materials.
Educational Materials and Presentations
We provide educational materials and conduct educational presentations at veteran centers, special needs facilities, and other relevant community gatherings.
Meetings and Groups
We participate in support group meetings and other events to connect with veterans and individuals with special needs and provide information about our program.
Accessing hemp-derived products can be complicated for U.S. Veterans due to the conflict between state-level legality and rigid federal policy. This Q&A section clarifies the current stance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and addresses critical safety and legality concerns for South Carolina Veterans.
I. Legal Status and VA Benefits
1. Will I lose my VA benefits (disability compensation, G.I. Bill, healthcare) if I use hemp, CBD, or Delta-8 products in South Carolina?
Veterans will not be denied VA benefits solely because of marijuana or hemp use. VA policy is designed to ensure continuity of care. However, because cannabis remains a Schedule I Controlled Substance under federal law, the VA requires documentation:
Documentation: VA health care providers are instructed to discuss and document any cannabis or hemp use in your Electronic Health Record (EHR) to inform your treatment plan. This record is confidential and protected by patient privacy laws.
Benefits: Participation in state-approved cannabis programs or the use of legal hemp products does not currently affect your eligibility for VA disability compensation or healthcare services.
2. Since cannabis is federally illegal, can I be denied a federal job or lose a security clearance if I use legal Delta-9 or Delta-8 hemp products?
Yes, extreme caution is necessary. While hemp-derived THC products (like Delta-8, Delta-9 from hemp) are legal under South Carolina and the 2018 Farm Bill, federal employment and security clearance holders are still governed by federal law.
Zero Tolerance: Federal workplaces typically maintain a zero-tolerance policy for THC metabolites, regardless of the source (hemp or marijuana).
Clearance Risk: Testing positive for THC metabolites, even from legal Delta-8 or trace amounts in Full Spectrum CBD, can be grounds for termination or denial/revocation of a security clearance due to "substance abuse" or "lack of reliability."
3. Am I safe using hemp-derived products on VA property (hospitals, clinics, grounds)?
Absolutely not. Possession or use of cannabis, hemp, CBD, or any THC-containing product (even those legal under state law) is prohibited at all VA medical centers, clinics, and grounds. When you are on VA property, federal law—which classifies cannabis as illegal—is enforced. Possession can lead to confiscation, fines, and potential legal issues.4. Can a VA doctor recommend, prescribe, or fill out paperwork for me to participate in a medical cannabis program?
No. Because VA clinicians are federal employees and cannabis remains classified as Schedule I, they are prohibited from:
Prescribing medical cannabis.
Recommending medical cannabis.
Completing forms or providing the paperwork required for a veteran to participate in state-approved medical marijuana programs.
5. What is the current status of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (S. 53), and when might full medical marijuana be legal for PTSD?
South Carolina remains one of the few states without a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
Status: The Compassionate Care Act (S. 53), championed by Sen. Tom Davis, is the leading bill aimed at creating a regulated, non-smoked medical cannabis program. Despite strong public and veteran support, it has repeatedly stalled in the State House.
Eligibility: While the bill proposes allowing access for conditions like PTSD, its final passage is uncertain. SCBWA actively advocates for the passage of sensible legislation to provide Veterans and other patients with access, but we believe that doctor-guided access is not required for many, and that the most access for the most people is the best path forward.
II. Product Safety and Drug Testing
6. I only use legal CBD products. Will those products cause me to fail a drug test for THC?
It is a significant risk, and we advise caution. This depends on the type of CBD product you use:
Full Spectrum CBD: Contains trace amounts of THC (up to $0.3\%$). Consistent, heavy use of Full Spectrum products can lead to the accumulation of THC metabolites, potentially triggering a positive result on standard urine drug screens.
Broad Spectrum CBD: Contains multiple cannabinoids but has the THC chemically removed to undetectable levels.
CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids. This is the safest option for drug-tested individuals.
7. Is Delta-8 THC legal in South Carolina? If I use Delta-8, will I test positive for marijuana on a drug test?
Legality: Delta-8 THC derived from hemp is currently sold legally in South Carolina due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Drug Testing: Yes, you will likely test positive. Standard drug tests look for THC metabolites, and they cannot distinguish between the metabolites produced by federally illegal Delta-9 THC and those produced by legal hemp-derived Delta-8. If you are subject to drug testing, avoiding all forms of THC (including Delta-8) is the safest choice.
8. How can I be certain the hemp product I buy in a retail store is safe and not contaminated?
The only verifiable guarantee of safety is independent testing.
Demand the COA: Always request the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the brand or retailer.
Verify the Lab: Check that the COA was issued by a DEA-accredited, third-party laboratory (see our Laboratories page).
Check Contaminants: Look for sections of the COA confirming the product passed tests for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials.
9. Are the "magic mushroom" or Kratom products sold alongside hemp in stores regulated for safety?
No. These products are unregulated and pose severe risks.
Kratom, Mushroom Products, and Research Chemicals sold in miscellaneous retail environments (e.g., gas stations, smoke shops) are often untested and may contain dangerous, unlisted synthetic substances.
SCBWA strongly recommends avoiding all products purchased in these uncertified settings to ensure your health and safety.
10. Where can I find a doctor in SC who specializes in cannabinoid dosing for complex medical conditions?
Finding Hemp-Aware Physicians is challenging.
SCBWA is compiling a list of Cannabis Health Consultants and healthcare providers who are open to discussing cannabinoid therapy and are skilled in guiding patients on dosing and potential drug interactions.
We encourage you to visit our directory pages for our directory of providers of products and services who understand the nuances of hemp-derived treatment.
- Veterans Wellness Q&A: Hemp, CBD, and VA Policy in South Carolina
- Access
Discounted Products
We are dedicated to educating the public about the potential benefits and risks of hemp and cannabis, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Financial Assistance
Product Finder
Home Delivery Options
Support Groups
A safe space for veterans and individuals with special needs to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other..
Advocacy
Active engagement with policymakers to expand access to medical cannabis and protect the rights of veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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