Recreational marijuana use is not legal in Mississippi, but it has been decriminalized — leaving neighbors with limited options when secondhand smoke drifts into their homes. Here’s what state law allows and what residents can do about it.
FULL STORY: Can I report my neighbor for weed smoke? What MS residents can do
Here are key takeaways:
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, recreational cannabis use is not legal in Mississippi but has been decriminalized. A first offense for possessing 30 grams or less carries a $250 fine and a civil summons.
The only way to legally smoke marijuana on private property in Mississippi is to be a registered medical marijuana patient. Possessing paraphernalia, such as the bag cannabis comes in, remains a criminal offense.
You can involve law enforcement, but consider whether your neighbor is a registered medical patient, whether the situation warrants police response and whether you’re certain illegal activity is occurring. False 911 calls can result in penalties.
Officers may not be dispatched for odor complaints at a residence unless there’s an immediate threat or serious public disturbance.
If your neighbor is smoking at a rental property, check the lease rules and speak with building management if the smell persists.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.