MERIDIAN, Miss. – Residents in Meridian had the opportunity Thursday night to learn about the certification process for medical marijuana. The event, hosted by the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association (3MA), aimed to educate the public on this emerging industry.
Understanding Medical Marijuana Certification
Angie Calhoun, Founder and CEO of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance, shared her personal motivation for advocating medical cannabis. “My son suffers from a debilitating medical condition, and I witnessed the significant improvement in his quality of life due to medical cannabis,” Calhoun noted. She emphasized the importance of providing patients with alternative treatment options, particularly as some pharmaceutical drugs can lead to additional health issues.
Expert Insights from Medical Professionals
Dr. Kirk Kinard, a pain management specialist from Oxford, highlighted the potential benefits of medical marijuana for patients with chronic conditions. “Medical marijuana is subjected to a high level of scrutiny similar to pharmaceutical-grade standards,” Dr. Kinard stated. “This ensures that when I refer a patient for treatment, they can access a safe and reliable product.”
Steps to Obtaining a Medical Cannabis Certification
Under Mississippi law, patients can be certified for approximately 22 debilitating conditions. Calhoun explained that only practitioners approved by the Mississippi Department of Health can issue these certifications. “Patients must visit the Department of Health website to fill out an application and register for a medical ID card, with an expected processing time of about 30 days,” she added.
What to Expect at a Dispensary
Alec Pagliaro, VP of Sales at Southern Crop, the first licensed entity for cultivation and processing of medical marijuana in Mississippi, provided insights on the dispensary experience. “When you enter a dispensary, you will engage with professionals knowledgeable about the products. Patients must present a state-issued medical card, which requires going through a physician to obtain a recommendation,” Pagliaro explained.
As of now, over 1,100 patients have received approval for a medical cannabis card in Mississippi. For more information, patients can schedule an appointment at local clinics through the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association’s website.