SC Regional: The Myrtle Beach Hemp Market: Navigating Tourism and Regulation

Myrtle Beach is best known as a popular coastal vacation destination, but it also hosts a growing hemp market. Tourists often look for CBD products, hemp-derived consumables, and related items, thus creating a steady demand for local shops. As a result, many businesses have entered the space. 

However, this industry exists within a mix of informal local practices, proposed state regulations, and ongoing legal uncertainty. This article examines how tourism, business activity, and changing laws come together in Myrtle Beach’s hemp market.

Understanding the Hemp Market in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach’s hemp market exists at the intersection of federal law, state restrictions, and heavy tourist traffic. To understand how this market functions, it’s important to look at what is legal, what is being sold, and why demand remains strong.

Federal Hemp Law and South Carolina’s Definition

Hemp is legal under the 2018 federal Farm Bill as long as it has no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. South Carolina follows this rule, so certain hemp-derived products can be sold across the state. These include CBD flower, hemp extracts, and THC-compliant edibles and drinks. Recreational marijuana is still illegal, and medical cannabis dispensaries are not allowed to operate in Myrtle Beach.

Products Commonly Found in Myrtle Beach Shops

Retail offerings in Myrtle Beach reflect both what the law allows and what tourists want to buy. Visitors often see many hemp products displayed in local shops.

Common items include CBD oils, gummies, vapes, drinks, and delta-9 compliant products. Smoke shops and vape stores across the Grand Strand sell these items and often market them as legal alternatives to marijuana.

Why Hemp Appeals to Tourists?

Tourism strongly shapes the local hemp market. Many visitors travel from states with legal cannabis and look for similar experiences while on vacation. Hemp products appeal to tourists seeking relaxation, wellness, or curiosity-based purchases while remaining within South Carolina law.

Seasonal Demand and Tourism Cycles

Hemp sales closely follow tourism patterns. Demand rises during spring break, summer vacations, and major holiday weekends, when Myrtle Beach sees large numbers of out-of-state visitors.

Hemp as a Local Business Opportunity

For local retailers, hemp brings both opportunities and challenges. Many use hemp products to attract tourists and stand out in Myrtle Beach’s competitive beach economy. Some also promote hemp as part of the expanding wellness and lifestyle market.

Current Regulatory Environment in South Carolina

South Carolina’s hemp industry runs under a mix of changing laws and uneven enforcement. These gaps create challenges for both businesses and consumers in Myrtle Beach.

State Law Is Still Catching Up

South Carolina’s legal framework for hemp is still limited. The state has few rules on age limits, testing, or packaging for most hemp products. Anything with more than 0.3% THC is illegal.

This creates confusion for retailers. Many products meet federal standards but face unclear interpretations by state authorities. Cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and similar compounds are not approved for use in foods or drinks under South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) guidance.

Inconsistent Enforcement Across Localities

Local enforcement is inconsistent. Some city councils near Myrtle Beach have targeted dispensary-style shops for selling unregulated or potentially unsafe products.

For example, Surfside Beach tried to revoke a dispensary’s license over safety concerns. Business owners say enforcement is uneven and sometimes unfair, making it difficult to operate while following unclear state laws.

Legislative Efforts Toward Regulation

South Carolina lawmakers are working to create clearer rules for the state’s hemp industry. Proposed bills focus on regulating sales, distribution, and safety standards, which will directly affect Myrtle Beach’s hemp market.

Proposed Bills on Hemp Oversight

Several bills introduced in the 2025–2026 legislative session work to formalize hemp regulation. Key proposals include:

• H.4004:  Regulates nonalcoholic hemp-derived beverages, sets THC limits per serving, and requires proper packaging and labeling.

• H.3601 and S.137: Target broader hemp-derived cannabinoid products, introducing rules for age verification, retail restrictions, and safe handling.

• H.3924: Will define oversight of hemp consumables more clearly and limit access to minors.

These efforts represent a move away from South Carolina’s earlier hands-off approach, offering clearer rules for businesses and consumers.

Why Lawmakers Are Acting Now

The regulatory pressure follows increased sales of hemp that are estimated to bring revenues up to $60 million across the state. According to lawmakers, the absence of age restrictions, no licensing, and no uniform regulations would put consumers (including tourists) at risk of their safety.

Regulators are focused on:

• Balancing public safety, industry opportunity, and federal compliance.

• To make sure that the law enforcers can discriminate between legal hemp products and illegal marijuana.

Clearer rules are expected to protect consumers, support local businesses, and reduce confusion in the rapidly growing Myrtle Beach hemp market.

Tourists, Hemp, and the Challenge of Regulation

The hemp market in Myrtle Beach is situated in an area where tourist demand is high, and the regulatory environment remains complex and evolving. Understanding this dynamic shows how businesses and visitors navigate both opportunity and risk.

Economic Impact on Local Shops

Tourism contributes to a lot of Myrtle Beach’s economy, and hemp sales make up a noticeable part of local revenue. Many shops highlight hemp products to attract visitors, especially during busy seasons.

But inconsistent regulations put retailers in a tricky spot. Demand is high, yet businesses are at risk of enforcement if rules change. Tourists who are unfamiliar with South Carolina’s hemp laws may assume that the products are the same as in fully legal cannabis states. This creates confusion and potential compliance issues.

Visitor Education and Safety

Regulatory uncertainty has shown the need for clear guidance for visitors. Health experts and tourism officials stress the importance of educating tourists about legal limits, safe use, and product standards.

State efforts include:

• Standardized labeling to clarify THC content and compliance

• Third-party testing to ensure product safety and quality

What’s Next for Regulation and Tourism?

South Carolina could soon adopt stricter hemp rules if bills like H.4004 or H.3601 pass. Expected changes include mandatory licensing, age limits (likely 21+), product testing, and tighter packaging by mid-2026 or 2027. These rules would bring Myrtle Beach closer to more regulated states, giving tourists safer, more predictable options, while businesses must adjust quickly to comply.

The evolving regulations reflect a balance between consumer freedom, economic opportunity, and public safety. Lawmakers want to make sure products are safe, marketed responsibly, and kept out of minors’ reach, protecting Myrtle Beach’s family-friendly reputation.

Conclusion

The Myrtle Beach hemp market is at an important turning point. Tourists bring high demand, which keeps sales strong, but the rules and regulations are still shifting. Several state bills are under consideration, and enforcement practices can be unpredictable, making it hard for businesses to plan. Because of this, both local shops and visitors are watching the situation closely. Clearer laws and standards could come soon, giving the market more stability and shaping how hemp products are sold along the coast.