William Pittman willingly signed a petition to legalize medical marijuana in Mississippi, motivated by his psychiatrist’s belief that it could aid in treating his borderline personality disorder, binge-eating disorder, and ADHD. However, he expressed skepticism, telling his husband, “I told my husband, ‘You know I’m going to get screwed out of this. Some way, somehow, I’m not going to get any.’”
Pittman’s concerns echoed reality as he doubted the state’s commitment to ensuring that medical cannabis would be accessible to those in need, based on the proposed constitutional amendment. “I thought it was rather typical of our state Legislature that they removed the bill that Mississippi voted on where a doctor could prescribe for whatever they deemed necessary,” Pittman said.
Officials who supported the medical-cannabis legislation but found compromises unsatisfactory shared Pittman’s skepticism following the Mississippi Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the initiative and the state’s ballot referendum process in May 2021.
Shea Dobson, the former mayor of Ocean Springs and now executive director of the Citizens’ Alliance of Mississippi, a group advocating for medical cannabis, expressed his disillusionment. “The further we got from Initiative 65, the less I supported it,” he stated.
Details of Mississippi’s Medical Cannabis Legislation
The law enacted by the Legislature permits the use of medical cannabis for a range of debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and PTSD, among others. State Rep. Janson Owen of Poplarville voted against the final bill, citing concerns that excise taxes imposed on growers would ultimately burden patients in need of the program.
Owen questioned, “If this is a medical marijuana program and we want people that need it to get it, then why are we sin-taxing people?”
Despite reaching out, other legislators did not provide comments regarding their votes, and Gov. Tate Reeves’ office did not respond to inquiries for clarification. After signing the bill in February, Reeves acknowledged it was not the legislation he had wished to endorse, but recognized it as a viable compromise.
Potential Benefits of Medical Cannabis
While medical cannabis is legal in several states, only a few allow its use for certain mental health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, and anorexia due to its appetite-stimulating properties. Research outcomes on cannabis’s efficacy in treating mental health conditions remain mixed but suggest some positive effects. A 2018 article from the American Psychiatric Association indicated that ongoing studies aim to clarify how cannabis may alleviate pain, PTSD, and anxiety.
The MIND program at McLean Hospital has been investigating the cognitive effects of cannabis on patients for medical purposes over extended periods. Their findings have indicated significant improvements in cognitive performance and anxiety-related symptoms, leading to a reduction in reliance on conventional medications.
However, a 2020 article in BMC Psychiatry cautioned against prematurely recommending cannabinoid-based treatments, despite isolated studies showing promising results for reducing social anxiety and adjunctive use in schizophrenia. A University of Washington study from June 2017 highlighted the need for more controlled research to fully understand marijuana’s impact on mental well-being.
Currently, the Mississippi Psychiatric Association refrains from endorsing cannabis due to a lack of FDA regulation and absence of solid evidence supporting its benefits for psychiatric disorders, according to executive director Angela Ladner.
Limitations of the Current Medical Cannabis Program
William Pittman noted that his diagnosed conditions are not included in the 28 qualifying medical conditions listed by the Mississippi Department of Health. As a result, he does not intend to apply for a medical cannabis card when the application process becomes available.
If future amendments expand the law to encompass mental health conditions like his, Pittman could potentially benefit from affordable treatment options through a doctor’s prescription. The Mississippi Department of Health is tasked with establishing regulations for licensing, security, and product safety by June 2, 2022, with additional rules for dispensaries due by July 2.
Local governments have until May 3 to decide on the establishment of cannabis-related businesses, with several cities, including Brandon and Ridgeland, already opting out.
Pittman currently manages multiple medications for his conditions and faces side effects that hinder his work as a data journalist. While he has insurance, it does not cover Vyvanse, a medication that has proven effective for his ADHD symptoms.
Should he qualify for medical cannabis, the law stipulates a limit on product possession. With a card, a patient could purchase up to six units of 3.5 grams weekly and no more than 24 units monthly.
Only licensed medical professionals can certify patients for the program, and those under 25 will need dual certifications. Pittman has previously used cannabis as a remedy for anxiety, stating, “A lot of times my mind would be racing, and I would smoke a little to take the edge off, and then I could actually focus on one thing.”
However, he refrains from using cannabis now due to the challenges of access and affordability. The law permits various cannabis forms to be sold exclusively through state-licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries are required to adhere to stringent regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation and processing.
Despite numerous restrictions in place, Dobson emphasized that the legislation represents progress for vulnerable patients requiring treatment, including those with mental health struggles. “Ultimately my main goal was for people to be able to get medicine without going to prison,” he concluded.
