Senator KIMPSON proposed the following amendment (VR\150C001.CC.VR22):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 44-53-2350(A)(2) and inserting:

/ (2)(a)establish a system to numerically score competing medical cannabis establishment applicants, which must include the award of additional points for medical cannabis establishment applicants that meet any of the following:

(i) an existing agricultural business in operation for over two years in the State of South Carolina;

(ii) an existing production or manufacturing business in operation for over two years in the State of South Carolina;

(iii) an existing company working in the hemp industry for over two years in the State of South Carolina; or

(iv) an applicant of whom more than fifty percent of the principals are residents of the State of South Carolina;

(b) In cases in which more applicants apply than are allowed by the local government, the system must include an analysis of:

(i) the preference of the local government;

(ii) in the case of dispensaries, the suitability of the proposed location and its accessibility to patients;

(iii) the character, veracity, diversity, residency, background, qualifications, and relevant experience of medical cannabis establishment principals and agents; and

(iv) the business plan proposed by the medical cannabis establishment applicant, which in the case of cultivation centers and dispensaries shall include the ability to maintain an adequate supply of cannabis products, plans to ensure the safety and security of patrons and the community, procedures to be used to prevent diversion, and any plan for making cannabis products available to low-income qualifying patients; /