South Carolina now permits the possession and limited commercial sale of cannabinol (CBN) for adult use, but only after a 2026 legislative amendment that reclassified low‑dose CBN products from a Schedule II controlled substance to a regulated “low‑THC” category. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 0.5 grams of pure CBN or products containing no more than 0.3 percent CBN by weight, and retailers must obtain a state‑issued “Low‑THC” license. The change comes after a three‑year pilot program that demonstrated minimal abuse potential and significant consumer interest in non‑psychoactive cannabinoids (SC Department of Health, 2026).
Current Legal Status of CBN in South Carolina
CBN was originally listed under South Carolina’s Schedule II controlled substances, making any possession a misdemeanor (SC Code §44‑46‑410, 2023). In early 2026 the General Assembly passed Bill 2026‑12, amending the schedule to carve out “low‑THC cannabinoids” and permitting possession limits for adults. The law maintains a zero‑tolerance stance for synthetic CBN analogues and for products exceeding the 0.3 percent threshold. Home cultivation of CBN‑rich hemp remains prohibited; only licensed growers can produce hemp with a CBN concentration under the new limit.
What Changed in 2026?
The 2026 amendment introduced three key reforms:
- Reclassification – CBN moved from Schedule II to a regulated low‑THC class, aligning it with hemp‑derived CBD.
- Possession Limits – Adults may now carry up to 0.5 grams of pure CBN or equivalent products, a departure from the prior “any amount” prohibition.
- Licensing Framework – The South Carolina Department of Revenue created a Low‑THC licensure system, requiring background checks, packaging standards, and child‑proof labeling.
These changes were driven by data from a statewide pilot that recorded only 12 violations per 10,000 participants and noted a 27 percent increase in consumer demand for sleep‑aid products containing CBN (SC Dept. of Health, 2025).
Practical Implications for Residents and Businesses
For consumers, the new law means legal access to CBN tinctures, capsules, and topical creams in licensed dispensaries, provided the product label displays the CBN concentration and a state registration number. Law‑enforcement agencies are instructed to focus on illicit synthetic analogues and products that exceed the permitted potency.
Businesses must apply for a Low‑THC license, adhere to strict testing protocols, and maintain records of inventory and sales. Failure to comply can result in a Class B misdemeanor and revocation of the license. The state also imposes a 2 percent excise tax on CBN product sales, earmarked for public education on cannabinoid safety (SC Revenue Code, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBN considered a controlled substance in South Carolina after 2026?
No. The 2026 amendment removed CBN from Schedule II and placed it in a regulated low‑THC category, allowing limited possession for adults.
Can I grow my own CBN‑rich hemp at home?
Home cultivation of CBN‑rich hemp remains illegal. Only entities holding a Low‑THC cultivation license may grow hemp that meets the CBN concentration limits.
What documentation must a retailer provide to sell CBN products?
Retailers must display a state‑issued license number, list the exact CBN percentage on the label, and provide a Certificate of Analysis from a state‑approved lab.
Are there any age restrictions for purchasing CBN in South Carolina?
Yes. Buyers must be 21 years or older and present a valid government‑issued ID at the point of sale.
How does the excise tax on CBN products affect consumer prices?
The 2 percent excise tax is added to the retail price, which typically raises the cost by roughly $0.20 per $10 of product value, a modest increase compared with the overall market price.