JACKSON, Miss. – New medical marijuana dispensaries are opening across the state, but many patients still face significant travel distances to access products. In several counties throughout Mississippi, newly opened dispensaries are prepared to serve Medical Cannabis Card holders, yet questions about availability persist.
Access Challenges for Patients
“It’s really difficult because, while we do have legal access, those patients are still forced to travel,” Caroline Fisher, the Director of Commercialization at Bragg Canna, explained. According to data from the Mississippi Department of Health and Green Health Docs, only 24 out of 82 counties have at least one dispensary, leaving many residents without local options.
Dennis Brag, owner of Bragg Canna, understands these challenges personally. “My wife had cancer, and we quickly learned that you go from point A to point B. Point A is a doctor’s appointment; Point B is home. It hurts to drive—especially over long distances,” said Brag.
Disparities in Rural Areas
While accessibility may not be as significant an issue in the Jackson metro area, residents in Grenada, Issaquena, and other rural counties face more challenges. “Many patients have conditions that make traveling especially difficult,” Fisher noted.
Brag strategically located his dispensary near the state’s largest hospitals to better serve individuals in need. “We’re setting up our education center in Fondren, close to the medical district, making it convenient for patients to ask questions and understand their options,” he explained.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
“Opening our doors to the community is something beautiful, and I’m excited to see how Mississippi evolves in the cannabis space,” Fisher added. These developments underscore the ongoing potential within Mississippi’s medical marijuana landscape as local businesses strive to meet patient needs while navigating regulatory hurdles.
