The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen opted to not take action during their meeting on Tuesday, thereby remaining in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program established by law in February. Similarly, Hernando aldermen decided to remain part of the program.
In contrast, the Southaven Board of Aldermen voted to opt out of the program but initiated efforts to identify potential locations for dispensaries within the city. This strategy will enable Southaven to quickly rejoin the program if they choose to do so in the future.
During the Hernando meeting, officials were reportedly unaware of a recent opinion from Attorney General Lynn Fitch, which clarified that local governments possess more zoning authority concerning cannabis dispensaries than they previously believed. This lack of perceived local zoning control had previously led some cities, like Horn Lake, to opt out of the law.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite noted that he and city attorney Nick Manley had reached out to Fitch for her opinion, which was received just last week. “This opinion is assisting various cities in Mississippi to expedite the introduction of medical marijuana,” stated Musselwhite. He emphasized that the law grants cities zoning authority in commercial areas.
Although the Attorney General’s opinion is advisory and not legally binding, it alleviates many of Musselwhite’s concerns regarding the placement of cannabis facilities. Following their vote to opt out, Southaven officials acknowledged the need to expedite their zoning plans; estimates suggest it may take 90 to 120 days to amend the city’s comprehensive and zoning plans to allow them to opt back into the law.
Hernando officials also formed a committee to explore potential locations for cannabis facilities. They heard from attorney George Ready, who represented Southern Bi-Medical Industries, a company looking to establish a headquarters and medical research facility focused on medical marijuana. He detailed plans to cultivate medical cannabis as part of their research operations, emphasizing their mission to develop treatments for various health issues.
The company plans to create approximately 80 to 85 jobs and is projected to have a $5 million economic impact on Hernando. Ready mentioned the potential for significant local job creation and economic benefits from medical cannabis operations.
In Olive Branch, aldermen were urged by community members to consider the advantages of remaining part of the state’s medical marijuana law. Resident Amy Smoot pointed out that opting out would not prevent residents from purchasing cannabis elsewhere, thereby denying local economic benefits. Similarly, Louis Walker expressed confidence in the city’s ability to establish appropriate zoning for dispensaries.
Ronnie Pollard, a former law enforcement officer and advocate for medical marijuana, shared his personal experience with his daughter’s treatment, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. His daughter’s successful use of cannabis during her treatment drew attention and support from the Board.
With these developments, Southaven and Horn Lake have opted out of the medical marijuana program for now, focusing on addressing their zoning challenges, while Olive Branch and Hernando have chosen to remain in the program. DeSoto County supervisors have yet to reach a decision for the unincorporated areas, with a crucial meeting scheduled to discuss the matter before the May 2 deadline.
At the outset of the Olive Branch Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Ken Adams recognized Hunter Pruit for achieving Eagle Scout status, underscoring community engagement alongside local governance matters.
