South Carolina Laws and Programs

South Carolina is a conservative southern state whose approach to drug policy is largely consistent with federal law and policy. The South Carolina Controlled Substances Act classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, likelihood of producing dependence, and medical utility. Schedule I substances (e.g., heroin, marijuana, LSD) are the most restricted due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical utility, whereas Schedule V substances (e.g., cough syrup containing codeine) are the least restricted due to their low potential for abuse and currently accepted medical utility.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is charged with enforcing all laws pertaining to the illicit traffic in controlled substances. SLED directs statewide antidrug programs in support of drug interdiction, covert ...