Jackson, MS — On Friday, the Mississippi Supreme Court made a significant ruling by overturning Amendment 65, the medical cannabis law that received overwhelming voter approval during the November 2020 election.
In response, Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, expressed profound concern: “Today is a cruel and tragic day for sick and suffering people in Mississippi. The state’s Supreme Court has issued a deeply flawed ruling to overturn Amendment 65, denying tens of thousands of Mississippians with debilitating health conditions safe and legal access to medical cannabis that could alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life. Instead, they will be treated as criminals under the law.”
Impact on Voter Rights and Future Legislation
Schweich further noted, “This decision not only nullifies the will of hundreds of thousands of voters but effectively eliminates the right of Mississippians to advance ballot initiatives to amend their state’s constitution. It is imperative that the legislature takes immediate action to rectify the ballot initiative requirements and honors the will of their constituents by enacting Amendment 65 into law through the legislative process.”
The ruling has far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry in Mississippi, stalling what could have been a progressive step toward a regulated medical cannabis market. As patients continue to face barriers, their families will witness avoidable suffering.
“We stand with the patients of Mississippi who need access to medical cannabis,” Schweich concluded. “The fight for a compassionate medical cannabis law in Mississippi will continue.”
For more information on cannabis policy and reform, visit the Marijuana Policy Project.
