As the frozen precipitation continues to thaw across the upper part of Mississippi, the Mississippi legislature is moving forward in this year’s session. During our recent webinar on January 14, Spencer Ritchie from our Mississippi government affairs team discussed anticipated cannabis-related legislation. Now, one month into the session, several key bills mentioned are progressing toward passage following the committee deadline.
Right To Try (HB 1152)
Rep. Lee Yancey’s HB 1152, which passed through the Public Health and Human Service Committee on January 22, would empower a patient’s treating medical provider to petition the Mississippi Department of Health for approval to use medical cannabis for patients with “nonqualifying debilitating or terminal illness.” This term refers to illnesses that are chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal but are not explicitly identified under the Medical Cannabis Act. The process established in HB 1152 aims to allow access while protecting providers from civil, criminal, and administrative liabilities when acting in good faith.
Elimination of THC Potency Limit in Tinctures, Oils, and Concentrates (SB 895)
Yancey’s HB 895 removed the total THC potency limit for cannabis tinctures, oils, and concentrates, which was previously capped at 60%. Cannabis flower will continue to be limited to 30% total THC.
Extension of Patient Card Renewal Requirements (HB 895)
This legislation also extends the validity of practitioner certifications and patient identification cards to 24 months. Previously, patients had to renew every 12 months, and practitioners’ certifications were valid for only a year. Additionally, resident-designated caregiver identification cards will now be valid for five years.
Access for Terminally Ill Patients (HB 1034)
Rep. Kevin Felsher’s HB 1034 mandates that certain healthcare facilities allow terminally ill qualifying patients to use medical cannabis on their premises. This applies to hospitals and skilled nursing or hospice facilities, with specific limitations on usage methods and exclusions for certain types of facilities.
Designated Caregiver Provisions (HB 513)
Rep. Becky Currie’s HB 1711 will facilitate easier access for designated caregivers to acquire medical cannabis from dispensaries for qualifying patients without the patient’s presence. It also extends the time frame for background checks for caregivers to five years.
Financial Allocations for Medical Cannabis Program (HB 513)
Rep. Sam Creekmore’s HB 513 directs that 12.5% of fees, tax revenues, and fines generated from the medical cannabis program be deposited into the Mississippi Public Health Trust Fund until July 1, 2030.
Ibogaine Clinical Trial Legislation (HB 314)
This legislation aims to establish a consortium for conducting clinical trials related to ibogaine, involving a drug developer, a higher education institution, and a hospital. The bill outlines procedures for seeking FDA approval and details on revenue allocation from the resulting intellectual property.
Ballot Initiative Legislation (SCR 518)
Another notable proposal is SCR 518, which seeks to restore the ballot initiative process within the Mississippi Constitution. This would require a minimum of 10% of active registered voters, around 170,000 signatures, to place initiatives on the ballot, influencing future legislative actions on important issues, including cannabis.
As the Mississippi Legislature continues its work, the focus on cannabis and natural medicine legislation illustrates the evolving landscape in the state. The outcomes of these bills will be crucial in shaping the future of cannabis access and regulation in Mississippi.
