On February 19, the Mississippi government introduced two bills aimed at changing state regulations on medicinal cannabis and the hemp market. House Bill 1676 and Senate Bill 2922 would permit medicinal cannabis businesses to advertise their products and create cannabis items that exceed the previous THC limit.
Growing Medicinal Cannabis Program
Henry Crisler, the executive director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, emphasized the growth of the state’s medicinal cannabis program. “The program is in its third full year of operation, with almost 400 licensed businesses in Mississippi,” Crisler stated. “There are no plans to halt this program.”
The new legislation, along with the expansion of medical cannabis dispensaries and the introduction of novel cannabis products at local stores, has ignited discussions around cannabis, particularly concerning delta-9 THC. “Delta-9 is the primary cannabinoid in cannabis regarded as the medicinal or psychoactive element,” Crisler noted.
Delta-9 THC Usage and Regulations
As reported by Healthline, delta-9 THC is the most prevalent form found in cannabis plants and has therapeutic benefits for medicinal users suffering from anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain. In Mississippi, delta-9 is legal for medical use.
In contrast, delta-8 and delta-10 are synthetic variants of THC with lesser known effects and risks. Despite having similar chemical structures, they are not as extensively researched as delta-9, and all three are indistinguishable on drug tests.
Each state retains the authority to formulate its own laws regarding delta-9 and hemp products, despite their federal status. According to Mississippi Cannabis Information, delta-9 products can be found in medical dispensaries statewide. Moreover, the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act enables residents to purchase hemp-derived delta-9 THC products online and at local retail establishments, allowing for the consumption of products with a 0.3% delta-9 THC concentration without a medical card.
A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research highlights that there is no federal limit on total delta-9 THC dosage, nor a requirement for product testing. It reveals that some hemp delta-9 THC brands may mislabel their products, containing more THC than permitted in adult-use states.
University Policies and Law Enforcement
While delta-9 may be legally obtainable, Mississippi State University (MSU) maintains a prohibition against its use on campus. Sid Salter, MSU’s Vice President for Strategic Communications, stated that delta-9 is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, as per the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. As a result, MSU must adhere to federal regulations to retain eligibility for various federal grants and financial aid programs.
The Starkville Police Department clarified the consequences for illegal cannabis possession. According to public information officer Brandon Lovelady, illegal possession can lead to a citation and arrest for a misdemeanor, or a more serious arrest if the possession involves a felony amount. The department, however, did not elaborate further on handling cases involving legal marijuana products.
Student Perspectives on Cannabis Legalization
An anonymous Mississippi State student expressed support for marijuana legalization and its potential as a beneficial alternative to conventional treatments. “For some people, it significantly improves their quality of life more than any other medication could,” the student remarked.
They noted concerns about the credibility of cannabis products available in hemp stores or gas stations, emphasizing that the less regulated nature of these products could pose risks to consumers. “A lot of what is sold in gas stations and vape shops labeled as delta-9 might not be what it claims to be,” they cautioned.
The student also believes that legalization could shift perceptions about cannabis use. “Legalizing it might reduce the allure for rebellious youth, as it removes the stigma surrounding its illegal status,” they concluded.
