As the 2023 legislative session progresses, Mississippi State Representative Lee Yancey, who serves as the Chairman of the House Drug Policy Committee, is focusing on several key issues affecting the cannabis industry and broader drug policy in the state. Yancey’s priorities include adjustments to the Medical Cannabis Act, the regulation of substances like Kratom and Tianeptine, and the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips.
Adjustments to the Medical Cannabis Act
Rep. Yancey aims to implement “tweaks” to the Medical Cannabis Act even before the first doses are available. He believes these changes will enhance the program’s efficiency. “We haven’t even sold the first product yet. I don’t want to start changing things until I have some data on what’s working and what’s not working,” Yancey stated, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions.
Proposed adjustments include streamlining background checks for employees at cannabis facilities—from two checks to just one—and clarifying the Department of Public Safety’s authority to conduct national background checks due to cannabis’s Schedule I status at the federal level.
Kratom and Tianeptine Legislation
Yancey is reinvigorating efforts to regulate Kratom and Tianeptine, substances that some argue are used as alternatives to opioids. Last year, a bill to add Kratom to the Schedule I controlled substances list was not taken up by the Senate. “People who use Kratom are typically using it instead of opioids, or they’re trying to come off of opioids,” he explained.
The representative also conveyed the need for a broader legislative framework allowing the State Medical Officer to manage over-the-counter drugs with addictive properties. “This would give the medical field the ability to regulate these substances rather than leaving them in the political domain,” he noted.
Decriminalizing Fentanyl Test Strips
Another focus for Yancey is the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips. He believes that such legislation could provide individuals with a means to test pills for fentanyl, thus reducing overdose deaths. “This is a way to give people a second chance. I think we ought to have compassion and help save lives,” he stated.
Support for Rural Hospitals and Certificate of Need Laws
A bill authored by Yancey aims to provide an income tax credit for donations made to rural hospitals, which often face financial difficulties. He is also advocating for the reform of the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws, arguing that they hinder competition within the healthcare sector.
“I feel like CON laws are barriers for entry in the medical field,” Yancey remarked, highlighting the need for competitive practices to improve healthcare quality and accessibility.
Promoting Water Safety Education
In response to community concerns, Yancey has introduced House Bill 13, which would mandate public schools to inform parents about the importance of swimming lessons and water safety education. “This bill won’t cost anything and will provide necessary information to parents,” he explained.
Modernizing Terminology for Intellectual Disabilities
Yancey is also working on legislation to update terminology related to individuals with intellectual disabilities within state statutes, replacing outdated terms with more respectful language.
Addressing ESG Concerns
Lastly, Yancey discussed his stance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment strategies within the state’s Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). He believes investments should focus solely on maximizing financial returns, free from political motivations. “The job of the PERS Board is to ensure the best returns for its participants, without being influenced by social statements,” he noted.
As the session unfolds, Rep. Yancey continues to advocate for policies that impact the health, safety, and economic well-being of Mississippians, particularly in the evolving cannabis landscape.
