A Mississippi senator recently showcased a bag of hemp product used by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, to demonstrate the specific portions of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units expected in January.
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi has taken a significant step in the cannabis industry by legalizing medical marijuana for individuals with serious medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and sickle cell disease. The legislation, signed into law by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, is effective immediately, although it may be months before the first dispensaries open their doors. In a statement on Twitter, Reeves acknowledged the potential benefits of medically prescribed cannabis for many residents but also expressed concerns regarding recreational marijuana use.
Legislative Background
The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that Mississippi becomes the 37th state to allow medical cannabis usage, joining 36 others and four territories. The Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association’s executive director, Ken Newburger, emphasized the law’s potential to improve the quality of life for those affected by medical cannabis.
A medical marijuana initiative approved by a majority of Mississippi voters in November 2020 proposed allowing patients to purchase up to 5 ounces a month. However, in mid-2021, the state Supreme Court invalidated this initiative, citing issues with the state’s ballot process. Subsequently, the state’s Republican-controlled House and Senate passed Senate Bill 2095, which now permits patients to purchase up to 3.5 grams of cannabis per day, up to six days a week—approximately 3 ounces per month.
Details of the New Law
The newly enacted legislation establishes taxes on the production and sale of cannabis, stipulates that plants must be cultivated indoors under controlled conditions, and restricts the state from providing economic incentives to the cannabis industry. Furthermore, cities and counties are granted a 90-day period to decide whether to allow medical marijuana facilities within their jurisdictions. Residents of those areas can petition for an election to challenge local decisions.
Clint Patterson, CEO of Mockingbird Cannabis, expressed optimism about the role of cannabis products in alleviating pain and improving quality of life for Mississippi residents. “We look forward to serving the citizens of Mississippi as they seek to improve their health and quality of life through responsible cannabis use,” he stated.
