Supporters of the recently vetoed bills argued that they offered patient-focused improvements within Mississippi’s strict medical cannabis framework. Governor Tate Reeves raised concerns that both measures risked edging the program closer to recreational use.
House Bill 1152: Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act
House Bill 1152, known as the “Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act,” aimed to allow a patient’s primary medical provider to petition the Department of Health on behalf of individuals suffering from chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal illnesses not currently listed as qualifying conditions in Mississippi. The State Health Officer would have held the exclusive authority to approve or deny such petitions.
Governor Reeves contended that the bill crossed a line after the Senate amended it to permit nonresidents to seek access through Mississippi’s medical cannabis program. In his veto message, he described the original concept as a narrow and commendable initiative to assist Mississippians enduring severe illnesses on a case-by-case basis. However, he believed the amended version overstepped its bounds.
Political Reactions
Representative Lee Yancey, who sponsored both bills, claimed the governor overstated the implications of the Senate’s changes. “The governor’s veto message suggests we’re opening up to everyone on the planet, but we’re really just making it available to individuals with the same debilitating conditions we already allow relief for,” Yancey stated.
Yancey acknowledged that the addition of nonresident language altered the political dynamics surrounding the bill but emphasized that it still required a Mississippi physician and targeted individuals who live just over the state lines in neighboring states. Reeves indicated he might support a more limited version if lawmakers removed the nonresident language and introduced a two-year review for the program.
Industry Perspectives
Henry Crisler, executive director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, echoed Yancey’s sentiments from the industry perspective. While he acknowledged that the petition pathway was not ideal and would have preferred a direct addition to the qualifying conditions list, he believed it would have enhanced access for patients. “It is a better alternative than having no process for patients whose conditions aren’t currently listed,” he remarked.
Crisler also pushed back against the notion that the nonresident provisions would transform Mississippi into an open-door system, pointing out that the state already operates a compliance-driven program with strict regulations, including some recognition of nonresident accessibility.
Other Proposed Changes
The second vetoed bill, House Bill 895, sought to implement several changes to the existing medical cannabis program. This bill would have eliminated the mandatory six-month follow-up visit after a patient first receives certification, extended the validity of resident designated caregiver cards from one year to two, and removed the THC potency cap for cannabis tinctures, oils, and concentrates. Supporters characterized these adjustments as practical, rather than significant expansions of the program.
Yancey pointed out that Mississippi is the only state that enforces a potency cap on concentrates and argued that extending caregiver card validity was primarily meant to ease the burden on family members and nurses. However, Dr. Daniel Edney, state health officer, expressed caution regarding these changes, noting concerns about the high concentration rates of THC and the potential for negative public health impacts.
Future of the Legislation
As it stands, both bills remain vetoed. The “Right to Try” bill has been referred back to the House Public Health and Human Services Committee and may be reconsidered if lawmakers reconvene later this week. Yancey acknowledged that any decision regarding an override or further amendments would be made by House and Senate leadership.