A key provision of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act aims to support local entrepreneurs. Enacted by Governor Tate Reeves in February, the law will commence licensing in June. During the initial six months of licensing for cultivation and processing facilities, applicants must demonstrate ties to Mississippi. Specifically, business owners must prove they have been residents of the state and U.S. citizens for at least three years prior to submitting their applications.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
For business entities, such as LLCs, at least 35% of the ownership interests must be held by individuals who meet these residency and citizenship requirements. This stipulation for local ownership is set to expire on December 31, 2022.
Requirements for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses
To obtain a medical marijuana business license, applicants must fulfill several requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Not have had a revoked license for related cannabis operations.
- Not have a disqualifying felony conviction.
- Maintain good standing with any existing professional or occupational licenses.
- Submit a sworn statement affirming they are the actual business owner.
- Have no outstanding state taxes.
- Not be a state Congressperson or related to one.
Disqualifying felony offenses include convictions for violent crimes or violations of controlled substances laws, particularly if offenders have not committed any similar offenses in the last five years.
Business Operation Guidelines
Applicants must be legally authorized to submit applications on behalf of their business, which must not operate in proximity to other medical marijuana establishments. Additionally, businesses can only function in areas where local governments have allowed such operations.
Micro-Cultivators and Micro-Processors
Micro-cultivators and micro-processors are also bound by the same eligibility criteria. A micro-cultivator operates a facility of 1,000 square feet or less, while a micro-processor processes under 2,000 pounds of dried cannabis annually. If these businesses are corporation-run, all owners must also meet the established residency and citizenship criteria. A list of principal officers and board members, along with proof of their citizenship status, must be submitted as part of the application process.
