SC HEMP PROGRAM: THE LICENSED BUSINESS DIRECTORY

A Comprehensive Directory

Welcome to the definitive guide for connecting with compliant and permitted hemp businesses in South Carolina. Any individual or business involved in the cultivation, processing, or handling of hemp in South Carolina must possess a current, valid permit from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA).

This directory categorizes and explains the permitted entities that form the backbone of the state’s legal hemp supply chain.

Permit Type	Definition & Purpose	Key Information
Hemp Farmer Permit	Authorizes an individual to grow, harvest, possess, store, and market hemp plants and plant parts.	Application Requirement: Must be an individual (not a business entity). Requires a criminal background check and FSA Farm Number.
Seedlings/Transplants	Often held by specialized nurseries or farmers who focus on providing certified genetics to other permitted growers.	Required Certification: Farmers selling live plants (clones, seedlings) must also obtain a Live Plant Certification from Clemson University.

Need Raw Material: Processors or Brokers can use this list to source legal, tested biomass.

Need Genetics: Find nurseries providing certified clones and seeds for planting.

Processors convert raw hemp biomass into valuable, market-ready products like oils, extracts, and fiber. This is the crucial manufacturing stage.

Permit Type	Definition & Purpose	Key Information
Hemp Processor Permit	Authorizes an individual or business to possess, convert, and market hemp plant parts into Hemp Products (e.g., CBD oil, concentrates, edibles, fiber).	Strict Requirements: Requires a high permit fee ($1,500+) and necessitates additional licenses, including a South Carolina Dealer and Handler License and a Weighmaster License.

Why Find a Processor?

Farmers: Find a licensed facility to convert your harvested biomass into marketable extracts.

Consumers: Look for Processors that are also SCBWA Certified Partners to ensure the highest standards in manufacturing.

The Hemp Handler Permit covers all entities that touch, store, or facilitate the movement of hemp material without cultivating or processing it. The SCDA Handler Permit is broken down into several sub-categories that support the rest of the industry:

Handler Sub-Category	Definition & Purpose	Key Stakeholder Connection
Brokers	Act as intermediaries to facilitate sales between farmers (supply) and processors (demand).	Farmers & Processors. They help move product efficiently through the supply chain.
Transporters	Entities licensed to move bulk hemp material from the farm to the processor/handler.	Logistics Confidence. Essential for ensuring compliant, secure transport of hemp across the state and into other legal jurisdictions.
Labs (Testing)	Facilities performing mandatory THC compliance testing.	Compliance. See our dedicated [Laboratories Page] for a full breakdown of DEA and SCDA accreditation.
Research & Development (R&D)	Individuals or companies focused on strain optimization, product development, or agricultural science.	Innovation. Often affiliated with universities (like SC State University) or private firms pushing industry boundaries.
Warehouse/Storage	Licensed facilities for storing and drying harvested hemp biomass prior to processing.	Risk Mitigation. Protects valuable inventory and maintains chain of custody.

When to Find a Handler?

Businesses: Secure logistics, warehousing, or brokering services that meet all state handling requirements.
R&D: Connect with permitted research partners for product innovation.

Research Licensees

Use our directory to find licensees that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Verify Licenses

Always check that a business holds a valid SCDA hemp license before purchasing products or services.

Ask Questions

Don't hesitate to contact licensees directly to inquire about their products, practices, and certifications.

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date on South Carolina hemp regulations and industry news through our website and other trusted resources..

Are you a Permitted Farmer, Processor, or Handler in South Carolina? SCBWA is your non-profit advocate and marketing resource.

By joining us as a Certified Partner, you gain credibility, visibility, and a voice in shaping sensible legislation.

Boost Visibility: Receive a SCBWA Certified Partner Badge for your website and a premium listing in this directory.
Strengthen Advocacy: Your participation funds our work to promote clear, fair, and profitable regulations for the entire SC hemp industry.