On March 30, approximately 100 medical cannabis patients, industry workers, caregivers, and advocates gathered outside the Mississippi Capitol Building in Jackson to protest Governor Tate Reeves’ veto of two critical medical cannabis bills: House Bill 895 and House Bill 1152.
Demonstration Highlights
During the protest, medical cannabis consultant and organizer Mike Watkins addressed the crowd using a megaphone, alongside notable figures such as Mississippi Senator Kevin Blackwell and Elizabeth Feder-Hosey, the founder of Mississippi Patient Voices. Attendees displayed signs advocating for legislative action and expressing their grievances regarding the governor’s decision.
One advocate prominently held a sign declaring “Patients over politics,” while others echoed similar sentiments calling for lawmakers to override the veto. Activists emphasized the importance of these bills in shaping the state’s medical cannabis program.
Voices from the Community
Mississippi State Representative Lee Yancey spoke to the crowd, detailing the impacts of the veto on the state’s medical cannabis landscape. Medical cannabis activist Mariah Yates, from Biloxi, appealed to legislators for a reconsideration of the veto.
Among the protestors was Dr. William Truly, a practitioner at Truly Family Healthcare Clinic, who highlighted the medical necessity of cannabis for patients. Gulf War veteran Devereaux Galloway also urged lawmakers to take action, emphasizing the broader implications for patient care and well-being.
The gathering served as a vital reminder of the ongoing discussion surrounding the medical cannabis industry in Mississippi, underscoring the community’s commitment to advocating for necessary amendments to existing cannabis policies and regulations.