After the Mississippi Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved medical cannabis initiative and a hesitant governor signed a medical cannabis bill into law, the state marked the official launch of its medical cannabis market last week. Leanne Penn, co-owner of The Cannabis Company in Brookhaven, describes the opening day, which saw the state’s first medical cannabis sale on January 25, as “hectic” due to numerous technical issues. Penn, who runs the dispensary with her husband Mitch, finds that the effort involved in establishing the market is worth it, as it brings much-needed medicine to patients in Mississippi.
“It’s a lot of hard work. It’s a lot of sweat. It’s a lot of frustration. It’s a lot of roadblocks,” she explains. “But when that customer walks in that door and tells you that they’re so glad that you’re here, all that frustration just melts away.”
Legislation and Market Development
Penn is a medical cannabis patient herself, coping with ulcerative colitis, anxiety, and depression. Together with her husband, she decided to enter the cannabis industry once the state legalized medical cannabis. Penn played a significant role in gathering signatures for Initiative 65, a measure approved by voters in the 2020 election but ultimately overturned by the state Supreme Court. Governor Tate Reeves subsequently signed a revised medical cannabis bill in February 2022, restoring the will of the electorate.
Melvin Robinson, executive director of the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association (MSCTA), also advocated for Initiative 65 and now leads efforts to unify the legal cannabis industry in the state. The MSCTA aims to educate the public, patients, lawmakers, and regulatory bodies regarding medical cannabis, operating under the motto “advocacy, education, and community.”
“We want to ensure that patients have access and that businesses can thrive,” Robinson asserts.
A New Beginning for Patients
The Cannabis Company celebrated its grand opening, a culmination of years of hard work. “It’s been a long two years, a lot of struggles, but we were able to overcome them,” Penn recounts. The process included navigating legislation, relocating their premises, and completing the store’s buildout entirely by themselves.
Penn emphasizes that they designed their dispensary to feel welcoming, avoiding the sterile vibe often associated with pharmacies. The décor incorporates recycled wood, aiming for a “country elegance.” Their first sale was made to a local Brookhaven resident who found relief through cannabis after various other treatments fell short.
“It was very exciting to make that first sale,” she says. “We couldn’t have had a better first patient because she epitomizes why we do this.”
Ongoing Challenges
Since its opening, The Cannabis Company has experienced a steady influx of patients, many of whom express gratitude for the alternatives provided. Penn notes that the term “hope” has resonated most with them throughout this journey.
Robinson shares optimism for patients seeking alternatives amid the state’s health care challenges, particularly considering the ongoing opioid crisis. “Mississippi doesn’t have the best health care,” he says. “Having an alternative form of health care is really great.”
The cannabis sector is projected to positively impact Mississippi’s economy, with Robinson highlighting its potential as a new cash crop in an agricultural state. As of late December 2022, the Mississippi Department of Health had licensed 154 medical cannabis dispensaries, with approximately a dozen currently operational and more expected to open soon.
Educating the Public
As the number of registered patients increases—estimated to be around 1,900—both Penn and Robinson emphasize the need for public education regarding the medical cannabis program. “The biggest challenge is ensuring that people understand how to obtain cards and navigate the process,” Robinson states.
Penn and her husband have assisted numerous patients with their applications even before launching their dispensary. As demand for help continues, she contemplates hiring additional staff to facilitate the application process.
Another concern lies in local municipalities opting out of the medical cannabis program, a legal provision that presents significant barriers to expansion. “Some local jurisdictions are still resistant to embracing cannabis industry opportunities,” Robinson notes.
Despite challenges, both Penn and Robinson are hopeful for the future as they adapt to market demands. “Cannabis entrepreneurs never sleep. They work seven days a week to ensure success,” Penn illustrates.
The Cannabis Company currently carries products from two cultivators and is looking to expand its partnerships. The owners aim to set a benchmark for compliance and quality within Mississippi’s emerging cannabis market.
“We determined that any product we offer must come from growers we know and trust,” Penn affirms. “Our goal is to provide patients with quality options and demonstrate that this industry can be compliant, successful, and driven by a passion for helping others.”
