The question of whether cannabis is legal in Mississippi is often raised, and the answer is—partially. In 2022, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a bill establishing a medical marijuana program, which was signed into law by Republican Governor Tate Reeves. This move made Mississippi the 37th state to legalize cannabis. A Brief History of Cannabis Legislation Prior to the 2022 legislation, Mississippi had legalized medical marijuana through a ballot initiative in 2020, with 75% of voters in favor during the general election. However, this initiative faced legal challenges, notably from Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler, who argued that the law governing signature…
Author: Mississippi Cannabis News
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The inaugural medical cannabis sales in Mississippi commenced in January 2023, ushering in continual changes in regulations and market participation. During a recent meeting of the Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, members discussed the current landscape of the industry, revealing a notable imbalance. Market Imbalance and Future Dynamics Ken Newburger of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association stated, “We have probably about two to two and a half times more businesses than are needed to sustain the amount of patients we have.” This oversaturation poses challenges, as the industry awaits equilibrium, which remains uncertain. “That oversaturation of businesses…
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge to Mississippi’s near-total restriction on the advertising of medical marijuana. Mississippi voters overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana in 2020, but the state maintains stringent controls on how the product can be promoted. Clarence Cocroft, owner of Tru Source Medical Cannabis, contended that these restrictions violate his free speech rights. He seeks to advertise on four billboards he owns, as his dispensary is located in an industrial park where visibility is limited. Cocroft expressed disappointment, stating, “I was hoping the Supreme Court would hear our case so my business…
Mississippi Gulf Coast law enforcement agencies are notifying local businesses that the sale of all hemp-based products intended for human consumption, outside of licensed dispensaries, is illegal. This action follows a recent opinion issued by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office concerning House Bill 1502, which did not pass in the 2025 legislative session. Legal Clarification from the Attorney General The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department recently communicated this legal position through a letter, emphasizing that the sale of hemp products for human ingestion that lack FDA approval is prohibited. The opinion, published on June 11, outlines that, unless sold through a…
Officials in Meridian anticipated an increase in tax revenue when they opted to participate in Mississippi’s medical marijuana program in 2022. However, two years post the opening of the first dispensary, the anticipated financial impact on the city has yet to materialize. Background on the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act Enacted by the state Legislature in 2022, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act authorized the state’s Department of Health and Department of Revenue to implement a medical marijuana program. This legislation established regulations affecting patients, dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and laboratories. Local governments had a 90-day period to opt out of allowing marijuana…
Southaven, Miss. – A heated debate surrounding the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act took center stage at last night’s Southaven Board of Aldermen meeting. Proponents and opponents passionately defended their positions as the board decided to draft a formal ordinance addressing the establishment of medical cannabis dispensaries within a designated “Medical District.” Proponents Push for Opt-In Alderman William Jerome has been a key advocate for opting in, proposing an ordinance that would permit dispensaries within the city’s Medical Zone. This recommendation aligns with the city’s prior decision to create the specialized zone, anticipating a potential opt-in decision. Opposition Voices Concerns Opposition…
Mississippi Green Oil (MGO) has completed construction on its facility and is poised to begin manufacturing medical marijuana in Prentiss. Owner Tom Moore announced that all necessary licensing and permits have been acquired, marking a significant milestone for the business. Cultivation Under Expert Guidance The cultivation of the plants will be overseen by Jim McAlister, MGO’s Director of Cultivation. The facility features eight grow rooms equipped with specialized lighting and dehumidifiers, alongside a carbon dioxide system to enhance plant growth. With over 6,000 medical strains available, McAlister has conducted thorough research to identify the most effective strains and their corresponding…
A new state-of-the-art medical marijuana facility has officially opened in Canton, Mississippi. Southern Sky Brands, a company focused on delivering “farm to patient” medical cannabis, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor William Truly. Facility Overview The expansive 70,000-square-foot facility features indoor cultivation, enabling Southern Sky to produce “high-quality, consistent medicinal products” designed for various ailments. Mayor Truly, a physician, emphasized the facility’s significance, stating, “This facility is a drum major — it speaks to the entire nation. It speaks to the state as to how marijuana can be produced to help so many Mississippians and…
The Mississippi medical cannabis program, established in 2022, allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to access regulated cannabis products. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for patients and industry professionals regarding the state’s medical marijuana framework, including eligibility, registration, purchase limits, available products, and a list of operational dispensaries. Qualifying Medical Conditions for Mississippi Medical Cannabis To obtain a medical marijuana card in Mississippi, patients must be diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions: Cancer (all types) Parkinson’s Disease Huntington’s Disease Muscular Dystrophy Glaucoma Spastic Quadriplegia HIV/AIDS Hepatitis Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis Sickle Cell…
The recent concerns center on one of Mississippi’s largest medical cannabis testing facilities, Rapid Analytics, and the products certified through their facility. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has imposed an administrative hold on numerous medical cannabis products amid allegations that they were not properly tested for pesticides. Administrative Hold on Cannabis Products The products affected are those tested by Rapid Analytics in Natchez, which is one of only two licensed testing facilities in the state. The other facility, Steep Hill Mississippi located in Jackson, continues to test products for dispensaries. MSDH informed Rapid Analytics of the allegations the…