The governor of Mississippi has expressed discontent with the medical marijuana measures on the state’s ballot this week, characterizing them as being favored by “stoners.” In a recent tweet, Gov. Tate Reeves (R) asserted, “There are good folks on all sides of the medical marijuana debate. Most non-stoners say we should be careful and deliberate. Initiative 65 is the opposite.” He further stated that experts have indicated it would create the most liberal cannabis regulations in the U.S., allowing for “pot shops everywhere—no local authority.”
According to the initiative’s provisions, municipalities may implement local zoning ordinances and regulations concerning medical cannabis businesses, but these rules cannot be stricter than those governing licensed retail pharmacies or similar commercial entities.
The governor has announced he will be “voting against both” the activist-driven measure and a more restrictive alternative introduced by lawmakers. Last month, Reeves signed legislation permitting the use of FDA-approved marijuana-derived medications but maintained his opposition to wider medical cannabis reforms, emphasizing that he is “against efforts to make marijuana mainstream.”
Legal Challenges and Voter Confusion
Despite polling indicating strong public support for the activist-led measure, Mississippians for Compassionate Care has encountered various forms of opposition. Among these challenges is voter confusion stemming from the inclusion of an alternative measure, which has led to a complex two-part ballot question. Additionally, a legal challenge was initiated by the mayor of Madison, who urged the state Supreme Court to invalidate the cannabis measures, claiming they were unlawfully placed on the ballot. The court has delayed its response, asking for input by November 6, just days after the election.
Furthermore, organizations like the Mississippi State Medical Association and the American Medical Association circulated sample ballots to instruct voters on how to oppose Initiative 65. Advocates have also faced public relations hurdles, including a cease and desist letter from President Trump’s reelection campaign, demanding the halt of campaign materials that used his quotes supporting medical cannabis.
In June, additional legislation was proposed to introduce yet another alternative resolution regarding medical cannabis, which posed a potential threat to the activist-driven initiative, but it did not progress before lawmakers adjourned for the summer.
