On Thursday morning, Senator Kevin Blackwell of DeSoto County began the Senate session by quoting Bob Dylan: “Well, they’ll stone you when you’re trying to be so good. They’ll stone you just like they said they would.” This was part of his introduction to Senate Bill 2095, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which passed later that day with a 47-to-5 vote, despite Governor Tate Reeves’ threats to veto it. The bill will permit patients to obtain up to 3.5 ounces of medical marijuana per month for 28 qualifying conditions.
Following the Mississippi Supreme Court’s invalidation of Initiative 65, a previously approved medical-marijuana program, lawmakers crafted this new legislation. If enacted, patients will need a medical diagnosis and a medical marijuana card to access treatment. The marijuana will be subject to a 7% sales tax and an additional 5% excise tax.
Concerns from Lawmakers
During his address, Blackwell criticized opponents, including Governor Reeves, who have labeled the legislation as “recreational” and called for stricter limits on quantities. He emphasized the exaggerated fears surrounding medical marijuana and expressed that these beliefs are unfounded.
Reeves previously noted his concerns as a father regarding the approved quantity resembling “11 joints a day.” In response, Blackwell demonstrated what 3.5 ounces looks like to dispel the myth of excess: “This will make about 3 ½ joints a day.”
Several senators, including Chris McDaniel, raised doubts about the bill’s tax implications. McDaniel questioned the morality of taxing medical marijuana, suggesting it might make essential treatment less accessible in an impoverished state like Mississippi.
Limitations on Farming and Expungement
The legislation stipulates indoor growth for marijuana, a decision derived from issues experienced by Oklahoma with outdoor cultivation. Senator Barbara Blackmon proposed an amendment allowing outdoor farming but was met with resistance.
Senator Derrick Simmons introduced another amendment aimed at expediting the expungement process for individuals with past marijuana convictions. However, this proposal was also rejected, with Blackwell suggesting further examination is needed.
Legislative Context and Patient Access
The new bill permits the use of medical marijuana for a broader range of conditions compared to the originally proposed Initiative 65. The list includes serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, it also adds limitations, requiring additional qualifying conditions to be approved by the Mississippi Department of Health.
The Mississippi House of Representatives must approve the bill before it reaches the governor. Given Reeves’ expressed concerns, lawmakers could potentially override a veto if they achieve a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
