Jackson, MS: Recent legislation, known as House Bill 1152, has successfully passed through both chambers of the Mississippi legislature with substantial bipartisan support. This new measure is now awaiting the decision of Republican Governor Tate Reeves.
Expanding Medical Cannabis Access
Currently, Mississippi law restricts medical cannabis therapy to patients with a limited set of qualifying conditions. However, the proposed Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act alters this framework, allowing healthcare providers to petition the Department of Health on behalf of patients suffering from conditions not included in the existing list. The Department will then have a 45-day window to approve or reject each petition, with decisions being final and non-appealable.
Bipartisan Support for Change
The Senate initially approved the bill with a vote of 102 to 14, followed by an amendment and subsequent House approval of 34 to 7. This week, the Senate agreed to the House’s changes, reaffirming the strong support for expanded patient access.
Once enacted, this legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Additional Legislative Developments
In conjunction with HB 1152, another bill, HB 895, has also been advanced to the Governor. This piece of legislation seeks to extend the validity of a practitioner’s medical cannabis recommendations, further supporting patient access to necessary treatments.
Current State of Medical Cannabis in Mississippi
Mississippi’s journey toward medical cannabis began in 2022, when lawmakers first established regulations for its access. To date, nearly 60,000 patients are enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program, indicating a growing acceptance and recognition of its benefits.
NORML’s action alert supporting HB 1152 is available through the Take Action Center.
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