Tweaks to the medical cannabis program in Mississippi may include evaluating qualifying medical conditions for obtaining a medical cannabis card. In 2022, Mississippi officially legalized medical marijuana through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP), which regulates the use of cannabis for specific approved medical conditions. This legislative approval has sparked the growth of a new industry throughout the state. Regulatory Oversight The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) oversees the regulation and enforcement of laws related to patient cards, medical practitioners, and cannabis cultivation facilities. The Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association (MICA), a non-profit organization established by local cannabis operators, supports…
Author: Mississippi Cannabis News
PEARL RIVER, Miss.—On Tuesday, members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will cast their votes on potential changes to marijuana laws on Tribal land, coinciding with elections for nine Tribal Council seats in six communities. The referendum, titled 2025-01, asks voters whether they support the Tribe developing legislation to decriminalize and regulate marijuana possession, production, and distribution on Tribal lands. Information Sessions and Community Engagement The Tribal Election Committee recently concluded a series of informational sessions across eight Choctaw communities in east-central Mississippi, as well as in a satellite community in Henning, Tennessee. Votes from Henning will contribute to…
A university that has held a longstanding monopoly as the sole institution federally licensed to cultivate marijuana for research has confirmed the termination of its partnership with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to Jacob Batte, the director of news and media relations at the University of Mississippi, “NIDA has chosen not to award the current year task order to the University of Mississippi for cannabis production.” Batte added that the university has two years remaining on its federal contract and is ready to utilize its extensive experience in cannabis research—spanning over 57 years—to advance the field and…
Officials at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have announced the cessation of federal orders for research marijuana from the University of Mississippi, attributed to a cost-cutting directive from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, NIDA reassured that this decision will not disrupt the availability of cannabis for government-approved research purposes. A recent executive order titled “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Cost Efficiency Initiative” prompted the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an extensive review of all contracts, identifying possible areas for cost reduction. NIDA representatives stated in an email that as…
As of October 24, 2025, approximately half of all states in the United States have moved to legalize recreational marijuana. However, in Mississippi, the situation is nuanced. While marijuana is partially decriminalized, it is not fully legal. Current Status of Recreational Marijuana in Mississippi In Mississippi, adults are not permitted to use cannabis recreationally. Possession of small amounts is no longer subject to criminal penalties, marking a partial decriminalization of marijuana laws. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), possessing 30 grams or less can incur a fine between $100 and $250. A second offense…
Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Mississippi, though possession of small amounts has been decriminalized. Individuals caught with 30 grams or less for personal use may face a fine rather than jail time for a first offense. Medical marijuana is permissible in the state for patients holding a prescription card for specific qualifying conditions; however, cultivating cannabis at home is prohibited, even for cardholders. Understanding Mississippi Marijuana Laws As residents and visitors gather for the holiday season, it’s vital to be informed about Mississippi’s marijuana regulations. A new trend dubbed “the cousin walk” has emerged, particularly popular among teens and young…
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has opted not to renew its five-year contract with the University of Mississippi (UM) for cannabis cultivation research, allowing the agreement to expire in 2028. This decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of cannabis research in the United States. Currently, UM’s contract permits the university to cultivate, process, analyze, store, and distribute cannabis for research purposes, as well as supply cannabis products to the NIDA Drug Supply program. Since the establishment of the contract in 1968, UM has remained the only higher education institution in the country with such authority, and…
The use of medical marijuana has a long history that traces back to ancient civilizations. Historians continue to debate whether its earliest medical application originated in China, where cannabis is indigenous. Archaeological findings in the Jirzankal Cemetery, China, reveal cannabis dating back to 500 BCE, suggesting its use was likely for religious purposes rather than solely medicinal. Greek historian Herodotus noted the Scythians using the plant in rituals that involved exposure to its vapors. Historical Context of Cannabis in Medicine In ancient China, cannabis played a multifaceted role. Scholars E. Joseph Brand and Zhongzhen Zhao highlight its mention in numerous…
OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. (WMC) – The owner of an Olive Branch medical cannabis dispensary has petitioned the national Supreme Court to challenge Mississippi’s ban on advertising legal cannabis businesses. Clarence Cocroft, owner of Tru Source Medical Cannabis, is taking this legal step following the ban imposed in November. In late 2023, Cocroft filed a federal lawsuit against the ban, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld it shortly thereafter. This legislation allows the Mississippi Department of Health to restrict dispensaries from advertising across various media platforms, including newspapers, television, social media, and billboards. Impact on Business Operations Clarence…
Small-business owner Clarence Cocroft has faced unique challenges as he navigates the advertising landscape for his cannabis business in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Despite budgeting for marketing and even investing in billboards, state regulations have imposed strict limitations on how he can promote Tru Source Medical Cannabis, Mississippi’s first black-owned medical marijuana dispensary. Regulatory Constraints in Mississippi’s Cannabis Industry Cocroft is currently under restrictions that prevent him from advertising on radio or television, in newspapers, online, or via outdoor signage, apart from a sign on his property and a basic website. This regulatory framework comes in the wake of Mississippi lawmakers…