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AIKEN, S.C. () – A hemp and CBD retailer in Aiken is voicing concerns over potential legislative changes in South Carolina that could greatly affect its operations and the customers relying on its products.
Lawmakers are currently deliberating proposals that would either regulate or outright ban certain ingestible hemp-derived items. “Your CBD Store,” located in Aiken, advocates for oversight but is urging legislators to implement what they call sensible regulation rather than a complete ban.
Jim Olson, the store’s owner, expresses worry that such legislation might lead to the closure of both retail outlets and farms, thereby restricting access to products that many find beneficial.
“People will just turn to other states or different vendors to purchase these products. They won’t just disappear,” Olson remarked.
He added, “If South Carolina can establish proper guidelines to eliminate unscrupulous players, that would be a more effective solution.”
Olson, who says he has spent eight years building his business, worries lawmakers could go too far in what he calls a “knee-jerk reaction” to safety concerns.
“My fear is that the government here is going to go a little too far in an attempt to do something valuable and good—which is to protect citizens and put some framework in place—but it’s going to hurt a lot of well-meaning businesses and entrepreneurs like myself that have been doing it right since day one,” he said.
State Rep. Melissa Oremus (R-Aiken) says lawmakers are not trying to shut down small businesses but do want stronger safeguards around unregulated products.
“It’s not that we’re trying to put our small businesses out of business at all,” said Oremus.
“But our vape shop owners do know what they’re selling, and they do know that they’re selling products that are not regulated.”
She added that if some products are ultimately removed from shelves over safety concerns, lawmakers believe that may be necessary.
At the same time, Oremus acknowledged hearing from families who say hemp-derived products have provided relief.
“You’ve got story after story of saying how these products have helped,” she said, referencing constituents and fellow lawmakers who’ve shared personal experiences.
Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue again when discussions resume next week on February 11.