A joint Resolution

TO PROVIDE FOR A STATEWIDE ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME AS THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THIS STATE FAVOR LEGAL USE OF MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   (A) A statewide advisory referendum must be held at the same time as the 2024 General Election to ascertain the wishes of the qualified electors of this State as to whether the State should allow for the regulated, legal use of medical cannabis to treat or alleviate patients with certain debilitating medical conditions or symptoms associated with the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition by removing state-level criminal penalties from the medical use, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis.

   (B) The question must be submitted to the qualified electors at the 2024 General Election. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:

   "Should the State of South Carolina allow for the legal use of prescribed medical cannabis by qualifying patients suffering from physician-diagnosed, debilitating medical conditions?

Yes      o

No      o

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'.

   (C) Within sixty days after the results of the 2024 General Election are certified, the State Election Commission must submit a report to the General Assembly concerning the results of the referendum.

SECTION 2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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