JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Lawmakers, medical cannabis patients, dispensary owners, and growers rallied at the Mississippi Capitol on Monday, urging legislators to override Governor Tate Reeves’ veto of two bills aimed at expanding access to the state’s medical marijuana program. Representative Lee Yancey, the author of the legislation, stated, “What we’re doing is for the patients.”
Legislative Overview
The vetoed bills, House Bill 1152 and House Bill 895, had previously garnered approval from both the Mississippi House and Senate before being rejected by Reeves last week. HB 1152, known as the Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act, seeks to establish a new pathway for patients with serious illnesses to participate in the program, even if their conditions do not currently appear on Mississippi’s list of approved qualifying conditions. This would allow treating medical providers to petition the Mississippi State Department of Health for authorization to access medical cannabis.
Patient Advocacy
Mike Watkins, a patient advocate and veteran user, emphasized the positive impact of HB 1152, noting that many patients experience symptoms that do not fit existing categories. “There are a lot of conditions that you may not have one slight thing or the other, or it may not fall neatly underneath, but you still have chronic pain or this or that,” he explained, arguing the bill could broaden access for those in need.
Changes Proposed in HB 895
Supporters also rallied for HB 895, which proposes several amendments to existing program regulations. The bill aims to eliminate THC potency limits for certain products, extend caregiver registry cards from one year to two years, and remove the mandatory six-month follow-up visit requirement. Evan Dailey, both a patient and business owner, raised concerns about THC limits, stating they can restrict potency for products essential for seriously ill patients, thereby increasing costs.
“We cut the medicine in its true form at anywhere between 75% and 90%, and we’re bringing it to 60%. So, are they getting relief? Yes. But are they getting the true relief they need? No,” Dailey said, highlighting the financial implications for patients needing consistent, effective treatments.
Action and Momentum
The rally occurred as advocates pushed lawmakers to undertake the uncommon action of overriding a governor’s veto, especially with the legislative session nearing its conclusion. Zach Schnoor of Pure Mississippi Farms expressed optimism, stating, “It’s another bump in the road, but I believe, with the support that we have and the advocacy that we have in the Capitol now, things are going to change.”
Watkins further asserted that, “Every single prediction that Tate Reeves has had about cannabis has been wrong, and they’re not going to start being right now.” To successfully override the veto, a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature is necessary.