The recent Congressional discussions surrounding the hemp industry—specifically the changes to the appropriations bill and the scrutiny over intoxicating hemp-derived products—present a defining moment for South Carolina businesses. At the South Carolina Better Wellness Association (SCBWA), we view this not as a crisis, but as a call to action to demonstrate industry leadership, foster unity, and pave the way for a universally trusted and responsible hemp market.
We understand that navigating legislative shifts is complex, and the industry’s current practices have drawn sharp criticisms from powerful voices. However, by embracing robust best practices and rigorous self-policing, we can proactively address these concerns, inspire confidence in legislators, and secure a sustainable future for hemp wellness products.
Direct Response: Turning Criticism into Compliance
Recent letters from organizations like the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and a coalition of State Attorneys General (NAAG) have identified serious public safety and regulatory gaps. These criticisms are not directed at the spirit of the 2018 Farm Bill—legalizing industrial hemp—but at the exploitation of its technical definition to market highly psychoactive, synthetic products that resemble illicit substances.
The SCBWA believes that industry stakeholders in South Carolina must actively commit to standards that preemptively resolve these concerns.
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Core Concern Raised by CADCA/NAAG |
SCBWA’s Commitment to Best Practices & Self-Policing |
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Youth Appeal & Access Products are sold in gas stations and convenience stores, packaged with brightly colored cartoons and names (e.g., “Grape Ape,” “Space Gods”) explicitly designed to appeal to children. |
Strict Marketing & Retail Policy: SCBWA members voluntarily commit to banning the use of any cartoon characters, celebrity endorsements, or brand names that primarily target minors. Furthermore, members commit to only distributing products through age-verified, specialized retail environments and implementing robust online age-gating. We reject sales in general retail locations like gas stations. |
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Product Safety & Impurities Products are chemically synthesized from CBD, which can leave behind dangerous impurities such as strong acids and heavy metals. This has led to thousands of calls to U.S. poison control centers, with over 30% involving children aged 5 and younger. |
Mandatory GMP and Third-Party Testing: SCBWA members pledge to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and require full-panel, third-party testing for all products. Test results (Certificates of Analysis, or CoAs) must be easily accessible via QR codes on packaging. This ensures transparency regarding contaminants and residual solvents, safeguarding consumers from dangerous chemicals. |
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Intoxicating Potency & Loopholes The industry uses chemical processes to create high concentrations of psychoactive compounds (Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, etc.), resulting in “Frankenstein THC products” that are more intoxicating than marijuana and were never intended to be legal. |
Self-Imposed Potency Limits & “Total THC” Commitment: We support a Total THC threshold (including Delta-8 and other intoxicating isomers) that aligns with a non-intoxicating product standard, potentially stricter than the federal Delta-9 limit alone. Businesses must commit to not artificially converting non-psychoactive cannabinoids (like CBD) into psychoactive ones, focusing instead on naturally occurring, non-intoxicating, full-spectrum hemp extracts. |
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Ineffective Patchwork Regulation State efforts alone cannot solve the problem, leading to an “uneven and ineffectual patchwork of bans and regulations” that is circumvented by interstate mail-order sales. |
State-Wide Standard Setting: The SCBWA seeks to establish voluntary, unified industry standards that are so robust that they become the de facto baseline for regulation in South Carolina. By uniformly adopting these higher standards, South Carolina stakeholders demonstrate that self-regulation can create an orderly market that protects its citizens, providing a clear model for federal consistency. |
Unity and Action: Getting Involved with SCBetterWellness.org
The most effective way to address the current scrutiny is through collective action and unity. The SC Better Wellness Association is the platform for South Carolina businesses to demonstrate this leadership. We must show legislators and the public that we are part of the solution, not the problem.
How You Can Help and Get Involved Today:
- Become a Committed Member: Join the SC Better Wellness Association. Membership signifies your commitment to our Code of Conduct, which includes adhering to the strict best practices outlined above—especially regarding youth marketing, GMP, and non-intoxicating potency standards.
- Adopt the SCBWA Standards: Even non-members can immediately implement our recommended best practices: eliminate youth-appealing packaging, mandate full-panel CoA’s via QR codes, and remove intoxicating products from general retail shelves.
- Support Legislative Dialogue: We actively engage with state and federal lawmakers. By unifying under one association, we present a credible, responsible, and professional voice that advocates for smart regulation that protects consumers while preserving the legitimate non-intoxicating hemp market.
- Promote Consumer Education: We need partners to help educate the public on the difference between legitimate hemp products and the “Frankenstein” products being criticized. Displaying your SCBWA certification is a visible sign of compliance and trust.
Visit scbetterwellness.org to review our full Code of Conduct and join the movement.
A Vision for Leadership
By adopting these high standards of self-policing, South Carolina can establish itself as a national leader in responsible hemp commerce. Our integrity in the marketplace will be the strongest possible response to Congressional concerns. We can show Congress that responsible business is the most effective form of regulation, and that the path forward is one of compliance, unity, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Let’s demonstrate the true, positive potential of hemp and cultivate a healthier, safer future together.
