Patients in Mississippi will soon benefit from a significant change in the state’s Medical Cannabis program, enabling them to acquire a month’s supply of medical cannabis in a single visit starting July 1. This update aims to enhance access to treatment options for cardholders, especially those who live far from dispensaries.
Legislative Update: SB 2857
Previously, Mississippi policy restricted patients to purchasing only a week’s worth of Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MCEUs), approximately 21 grams. One MCEU is equivalent to about 3.5 grams of marijuana flower, 100 mg of a THC-infused product, or one gram of concentrate. With the passage of SB 2857, authored by State Senator Kevin Blackwell, this limit will increase to 84 grams per transaction.
State Representative Lee Yancey, a prominent figure on the House Drug Policy Committee, emphasized the importance of this change for patients residing in remote areas. “For instance, a patient with a debilitating condition might have to drive 45 minutes one way to go to a dispensary and then have to do that every week,” Yancey explained. “This adjustment will alleviate the burden of frequent trips for their medication.”
Background Check Revisions
Alongside the supply change, the legislation also shifts the financial responsibility for background checks in the medical cannabis industry. Previously covered by the Department of Public Safety, the costs will now be the responsibility of applicants, with a fee cap of $60 per individual.
Medical Cannabis Research Program at Ole Miss
Another notable development is the introduction of SB 2888, which establishes a medical cannabis research program at the University of Mississippi. This program builds on over 50 years of cannabis research at Ole Miss, historically the only institution authorized to conduct such research federally for the National Institute of Health.
The research aims to identify different cannabinoids produced by marijuana and their effectiveness in treating various ailments. It also seeks to determine optimal dosages for each condition, enhancing the scope of treatment pathways available to patients.
Regulating Intoxicating Hemp
An additional piece of legislation concerning intoxicating hemp products did not pass during the latest legislative session. House Bill 1676, also introduced by Rep. Yancey, aimed to regulate these products, which exploit loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill. While hemp contains lower levels of THC compared to marijuana, synthetic products can concentrate these levels to match those found in marijuana-derived products.
The failed bill intended to restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed dispensaries, removing them from convenience stores and gas stations. Rep. Yancey plans to reintroduce similar legislation in the coming session, aiming to address regulatory challenges amid evolving cannabis legislation.
As federal and state regulations continue to evolve, Mississippi stands at the forefront of adapting its medical cannabis framework, aligning with national trends while addressing local patient needs.