Behind the Counter: Why SC Now Requires Hemp Consumables to be Inaccessible to Minors

The hemp industry in South Carolina (SC) has been the hot topic throughout 2025 and 2026. It is because of the regulatory changes at the federal level that they also affect the state level. New laws are tightening how hemp-derived consumables are sold, displayed, and accessed. These include all types of products, including gummies, drinks, and CBD edibles.

The latest rule has been passed that requires hemp consumables to be kept behind the counter and inaccessible to minors. Let’s explore this new legal development regarding hemp products in detail in the context of South Carolina and minors.

The New Hemp Regulations in South Carolina

South Carolina lawmakers have introduced many bills to regulate hemp-derived consumables more strictly. These suggest more licensing requirements and stricter retail controls. The recent legislation aims to control how hemp products are sold and who can access them. 

Public health and safety were highlighted as a key reason for the regulatory overhaul. Now the state treats certain hemp products as potentially intoxicating. What it means is that they require tighter oversight similar to alcohol or tobacco.

What Are Hemp Consumables?

Hemp consumables are products derived from hemp plants that are meant to be ingested. Some of these products may contain psychoactive compounds. Examples include delta-8 or delta-9 THC. These also tend to produce a ‘high.’ This has raised concerns among regulators. Some forms of hemp consumables include:

• CBD oils and tinctures

• THC-infused beverages

• Gummies and edibles

• Capsules and supplements

The Increase In Regulation in 2025–2026

The hemp market kept flourishing over time. However, legal restrictions were not established at the same pace, resulting in major gaps in oversight. Many products were sold in convenience stores without strict controls. The latest legislative efforts now focus on multiple factors, such as:

• Licensing businesses

• Limiting THC levels

• Restricting youth access

• Standardizing testing and labelling

The ‘Behind the Counter’ Rule

One of the most impactful provisions requires hemp consumables to be stored behind the counter. This means that these products should be out of reach of customers. Customers cannot freely pick up these products from the shelves. Instead, a staff member must retrieve them after verifying the right age.

Legal Requirement

South Carolina law clearly states that hemp-derived cannabinoid products must be kept in an area “inaccessible to a customer.” All retail establishments selling these products are obligated to follow this rule. The 2025-26 Bill 137 also supports such points regarding the sale of hemp-related products to a minor. 

The Practical Effects Of This Bill

Retailers must now:

• Store products behind counters or in locked displays

• Require staff interaction for purchase

• Verify customer age before sale 

The Latest THC hemp Product Ruling in SC For Adults

A revised legislation that allows the SC sales of intoxicating hemp products to only people who are 21 years old or older was passed on 21 March, 2026. The bill was passed after reaching a compromise in the Senate that took two weeks and a do-over vote (another chance) to revive it following a past-midnight rejection.

According to the IndexJournal, the bill also limits sales to most liquor stores. The ruling was passed by a 35-4 vote. The change allows 12-ounce beverages with up to 5 milligrams of THC to be sold in retail stores. These can be gas stations, grocery stores or vape shops. Stronger products and infused gummies can only be sold in liquor stores.  

However, the cans or bottles must remain behind the counter. They can’t be displayed anywhere else in the store. A bipartisan effort to additionally allow restaurants to keep the hemp beverages on the menu failed. It was supposed to work similarly to how they sell alcohol. 

Compliance Requirements For South Carolina

South Carolina is gradually moving toward a fully licensed hemp market. Retailers, manufacturers, and distributors must obtain permits to legally operate. The thing to note is that unlicensed sales are treated seriously. Authorities may even seize products as contraband.

What Businesses Must Do

1. Apply for state-issued licenses

2. Follow product testing standards

3. Maintain proper labeling

4. Ensure safe storage and display

The Importance of Licensing

Licensing is really important. It is because it allows the state to track products in the market. The local authorities also get to enforce safety standards while holding businesses accountable and protecting minors from misuse. A main element is that it also separates legitimate sellers from unregulated operators.

Safety and Marketing Considerations Across SC

Another reason for stricter rules across South Carolina is concern over how hemp products are presented. For example, some regulations cap even the THC levels in beverages to reduce intoxication risks.

New Safety Measures

Proposed laws lay immense emphasis on mandatory lab testing, with clear labelling of ingredients and THC levels. The final step includes putting limits on THC content in different types of hemp-derived items.

Marketing to Minors: A Red Flag

Retailers must use decent marketing practices for selling hemp products so as not to attract minors. This also aligns hemp rules with those used for the alcohol and tobacco industries.

Retailers and marketers can not:

• Use cartoon characters

• Design packaging that looks like candy

• Target underage audiences 

What This Means for Consumers

For adults, hemp products will still be available, but with stricter controls. For minors, access will become significantly harder, both legally and physically.

Changes You Will Notice

• Products kept behind counters

• ID checks at purchase

• Limited product types in some stores

Final Thoughts

South Carolina’s decision to require hemp consumables to be inaccessible to minors is about more than just retail placement. It portrays a broader effort on the state and national levels to bring order to a fast-growing industry with great potential in the making.

By imposing behind-the-counter storage, age restrictions and proper marketing systems, the SC government is building a framework that prioritizes youth protection and responsible commerce.

The good thing is that hemp products are no longer being treated as casual retail items. They are rightly becoming part of a tightly regulated market designed to keep them out of the wrong hands.