Two centers at the University of Mississippi are actively working to better inform the public, emergency responders, and military personnel as they confront potential threats to both the state and the nation. Ole Miss is now home to the National Center for Tactical Readiness and the Center for Information Advantage and Effectiveness, both under the auspices of the Mississippi Institute for National Security and Resilience (MINSR). Addressing Misinformation and Enhancing Public Understanding As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, MINSR Director Wes Jennings emphasizes the importance of understanding the information landscape influenced by algorithms. These algorithms curate news and…
Author: Mississippi Cannabis News
Final decisions on various projects will be made by the Mississippi Legislature in the upcoming session, as the state’s Opioid Settlement Council finalized a list of initiatives this week. Lawmakers will ultimately grant final approval during the legislative process. Funding from Opioid Settlement Over the next 15 years, Mississippi is set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars from a settlement with pharmaceutical companies accused of profiting from the opioid crisis. This funding aims to address the increasing rates of addiction and overdose among Mississippi citizens. Project Recommendation Process The council’s recommendations involved reassessing certain projects based on application issues…
Mississippians are increasingly frustrated with the surge in robocalls affecting their daily lives. As technology advances, these unsolicited calls continue to disrupt peace and privacy, often with the intent to scam individuals out of personal information. This week, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R) announced the commencement of the second phase of the national Operation Robocall Roundup. Her office is collaborating with 50 other state attorneys general to safeguard citizens’ privacy. “Robocalls are not only annoying and disruptive to our everyday lives, but they are often used to perpetrate scams,” Fitch stated. “I am proud to join my colleagues to…
John Byrd, a weed science specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, has been appointed to a pivotal role within the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). In his new position as the WSSA liaison to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Byrd will serve a three-year term. Significance of the Liaison Role This role acts as the main conduit between the weed science community and the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. Byrd will ensure that federal regulators receive current, research-based insights regarding weed management challenges encountered in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Byrd’s responsibilities will include regular trips…
Businesses that produce or sell intoxicating hemp products in Mississippi should prepare for significant changes due to the federal THC ban included in the recent spending bill. This legislation will render intoxicating hemp products illegal at the federal level starting next year. Attempts by the Mississippi Legislature to implement similar measures have previously failed, as related bills did not receive sufficient votes to advance. However, provisions to outlaw intoxicating hemp products were incorporated into the federal resolution aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Impact on Hemp Products The federal ban specifically targets hemp products intended for human consumption with THC…
Mississippi lawmakers have recently passed a bill allowing terminally ill patients to access medical marijuana in hospitals, nursing facilities, and hospice centers. This legislative move is part of a broader trend, as state legislatures nationwide explore similar reforms. Details of ‘Ryan’s Law’ The Mississippi House Public Health and Human Services Committee advanced HB 1034, introduced by Rep. Kevin Felsher (R), also known as “Ryan’s Law.” Named in memory of a young cannabis patient, the bill aims to facilitate the safe use of medical cannabis by terminally ill patients in specified healthcare settings. The legislation mandates that hospitals, skilled nursing facilities,…
As the frozen precipitation continues to thaw across the upper part of Mississippi, the Mississippi legislature is moving forward in this year’s session. During our recent webinar on January 14, Spencer Ritchie from our Mississippi government affairs team discussed anticipated cannabis-related legislation. Now, one month into the session, several key bills mentioned are progressing toward passage following the committee deadline. Right To Try (HB 1152) Rep. Lee Yancey’s HB 1152, which passed through the Public Health and Human Service Committee on January 22, would empower a patient’s treating medical provider to petition the Mississippi Department of Health for approval to…
The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing access to medical marijuana for terminally ill patients. In a decisive 117-1 vote, the bill, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Felsher (R), received approval shortly after advancing from the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. Ryan’s Law: A Step Towards Compassionate Care >This legislation, named “Ryan’s Law” in honor of a young cannabis patient whose father has become a vocal advocate for better access to medical cannabis in healthcare settings, seeks to allow terminally ill patients to safely utilize medical marijuana within hospitals, nursing facilities,…
Mississippi law enforcement officials are urging drivers to recognize that using marijuana and operating a vehicle can lead to a DUI charge, despite the expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program. Recent increases in DUI cases related to marijuana and other controlled substances have prompted authorities to reiterate the legal implications of impaired driving in Mississippi. Understanding DUI Laws in Mississippi Under Mississippi law, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of any drug or controlled substance. Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, which typically reference a legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08%, marijuana impairment is not defined by…
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. – The Rankin County Prosecutor’s Office has reported an increase in DUI cases involving marijuana. With the implementation of Mississippi’s medical cannabis program, it is crucial for the public to understand how state law applies to driving after using marijuana or other controlled substances. DUI Laws and Marijuana Mississippi law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug or controlled substance, including marijuana. There is a common misconception that DUI laws apply only to alcohol or that a specific THC level must be reached to warrant a marijuana DUI. However, Mississippi law defines…