Two years ago, Harper Grace Durval became a central figure in the discussion surrounding cannabis oil in Mississippi. At just 4 years old, Harper Grace suffers from Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by intense seizures. In other states, treatments utilizing cannabis oil extract have been employed to help mitigate these episodes. Following this urgency, Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill in 2014 permitting the use of cannabis oil in Mississippi.
“I estimated it would take six months to a year at most,” said Ashley Durval, Harper Grace’s mother. However, two years later, the family is still waiting for the first dose of the medication. “Harper Grace has experienced longer seizures that are becoming increasingly frequent,” Ashley noted. To manage her condition, Harper Grace is currently on seven different medications.
Legislative Delays and Federal Approval Challenges
Senator Josh Harkins, the Flowood Republican who authored the original bill, expressed disappointment that the cannabis-based medicine has not yet become available. “All the necessary steps to secure federal approval are ongoing,” Harkins stated. “But two years? That’s too long.” Local news anchor Scott Simmons echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the prolonged wait.
As the medication is already obtainable in other states, many Mississippi parents find themselves contemplating illegal methods to access it, which may involve traveling out of state or arranging shipments. An online search reveals cannabis oil extract available for as little as $16 per vial, but federal law complicates the transport of such products into states where medical marijuana remains unregulated.
The Current State of Cannabis Regulation in Mississippi
Dr. Larry Walker, director of the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi, remarked, “Much of the progress has been made without federal oversight.” According to Harper Grace’s Law, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the sole institution authorized to distribute or conduct clinical trials involving cannabis oil extract. However, UMMC officials have reported being hindered by the extensive federal paperwork required for approval.
Walker explained, “Conducting exploratory clinical research necessitates following regulations that are both time-consuming and costly. Significant investment is required to prepare these products for registration.”
While the regulatory environment remains a bottleneck, parents like Ashley Durval are becoming increasingly impatient. “If we truly wanted it, we could obtain it,” she remarked, underscoring the desperation felt by many families. As the wait for legal approval continues, it appears that more individuals may resort to illegal means rather than gamble on a future that may not offer the necessary relief.
Currently, ten states have legalized cannabis oil; however, not all have made it accessible to patients. Although Colorado permits businesses to produce cannabis oil, federal regulations continue to prohibit interstate shipments of marijuana products, complicating the landscape for Mississippi families seeking effective treatments.
