BILOXI, Miss. – Wednesday marks a significant milestone for medical marijuana supporters in Mississippi, as June 1, 2022, is the inaugural date for patients to submit applications for medical marijuana cards in the state. Businesses will also be eligible to apply for licenses related to this new legislative framework.
Application Process for Medical Cannabis Licenses
Licensing for medical cannabis dispensaries will commence on July 1 through the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Once the application process begins, there will be a 30-day approval time for licensure applications, while program patients can expect a five-day approval period. All applications will be processed through the Mississippi State Health Department and will necessitate a physician’s approval.
A pre-application checklist detailing required documents and information is available on the Mississippi State Health Department’s website.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
To participate in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, patients must have at least one of the following qualifying medical conditions:
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Glaucoma
- Spastic quadriplegia
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Sickle-cell anemia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Agitation of dementia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism
- Pain refractory to appropriate opioid management
- Diabetic/peripheral neuropathy
- Spinal cord disease or severe injury
Additionally, a chronic terminal or debilitating disease or medical condition, or its treatment, that produces symptoms such as cachexia, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or persistent muscle spasms may also qualify patients.
Assistance for Patients
Companies are beginning to offer services to assist Mississippi patients in obtaining medical marijuana cards. One notable initiative is the “Ride to Wellness” program, which originated in Oklahoma five years ago and is now accessible in Mississippi.
For further details on the application process and services available, please visit the Mississippi State Health Department’s website.
