Miscellaneous Retailers

South Carolina Miscellaneous Hemp & CBD Retailers: Proceed with Extreme Caution

While hemp-derived products are readily available across South Carolina, the legal landscape for retail is highly fragmented. Many retail locations—including convenience stores, gas stations, and online marketplaces—are unregulated environments where products lack vital quality control.

SCBWA strongly urges consumers to understand the significant risks of purchasing hemp, CBD, Kratom, and mushroom products from miscellaneous retailers.

  • The Dangers of Unregulated Retail

The core issue in the miscellaneous retail sector is the lack of mandatory, comprehensive testing, which exposes consumers to three major risks:

  • 1: The Risk of Adulteration (Kratom, Mushrooms, Research Chemicals)

Many head shops and convenience stores sell products derived from research chemicals, Kratom and mushrooms alongside hemp. These are largely unregulated compounds that can pose serious health risks.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): An herbal extract used for pain relief or recreational purposes. Kratom is highly unregulated and frequently sold with no verification of purity, dosage, or presence of other harmful, unlisted chemicals.

Mushroom/Fungus Products: Products labeled as "functional mushrooms" (e.g., Lion's Mane, Reishi) or psychoactive varieties are often sold in untested mixtures that may contain unlisted synthetic compounds, leading to unexpected and dangerous side effects.

Research Chemicals: Highly potent, synthetic compounds sold under vague names (often disguised as "bath salts" or "potpourri") but used for psychoactive effects. These chemicals are structurally similar to illegal drugs, but often carry severe, unpredictable health consequences because they are entirely untested and unregulated.

  • 2. The Risk of Counterfeit, mislabeled or 'bad' Hemp products

In unregulated retail, hemp and CBD products are frequently compromised: Inaccurate Potency: Products often contain significantly more or less THC/CBD than advertised, making safe and consistent dosing impossible. Contamination: Products may contain residual solvents, banned pesticides, heavy metals, or microbiological contaminants due to poor manufacturing practices. Counterfeit COAs: Fake or repurposed Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are used to mislead consumers and bypass accountability.

  • 3. Lack of Expertise and Guidance

Staff at these retailers often lack the necessary knowledge to advise customers on product differences, dosing protocols, or legal limits, increasing the chance of an adverse experience.

  • Shop Certified SC Hemp Brands

Source your products directly from companies that have invested in the licensed SC supply chain and have earned consumer trust. These brands typically provide higher-quality, fully tested products.

  • Prioritize Tested Retail Locations

Seek out established, dedicated Dispensaries or wellness stores that require valid Third-Party Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product they sell.

  • Verify Every Product You Buy

Check the COA: Demand to see the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA must be dated, specific to the product batch, and generated by an Independent, DEA-accredited Laboratory (see our Labs directory), and Read the Ingredients: Ensure the product clearly lists all ingredients and avoids chemical fillers, unlisted compounds, or anything labeled vaguely.

  • Consult with a Healthcare Professional

If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's crucial to discuss hemp or CBD use with your doctor.

  • SCBWA's Guide to Safer Alternatives
  • Support

Safer Alternatives

Whenever possible, we recommend purchasing hemp and CBD products from licensed dispensaries or directly from reputable brands with a proven track record of quality and safety. These sources offer a wider selection of tested products and knowledgeable staff to guide you in making informed choices.

We're Here to Help

If you have any questions or need assistance finding a dispensary, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're committed to helping you access safe, effective, and affordable medical cannabis in South Carolina.