Southaven, Miss. – A heated debate surrounding the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act took center stage at last night’s Southaven Board of Aldermen meeting. Proponents and opponents passionately defended their positions as the board decided to draft a formal ordinance addressing the establishment of medical cannabis dispensaries within a designated “Medical District.”
Proponents Push for Opt-In
Alderman William Jerome has been a key advocate for opting in, proposing an ordinance that would permit dispensaries within the city’s Medical Zone. This recommendation aligns with the city’s prior decision to create the specialized zone, anticipating a potential opt-in decision.
Opposition Voices Concerns
Opposition emerged from Mayor Darren Musselwhite and several aldermen, who expressed significant reservations. Musselwhite articulated concerns about the possibility of misuse of the medical cannabis system, the heightened potency of contemporary marijuana, and its potential role as a “gateway drug.”
“If there is something on this planet that can ease the pain of another human being without them getting addicted to opioids, I support that,” Musselwhite stated. “But it is fair for everybody to know that there are some negatives that come with this.”
Alderman Raymond Flores further emphasized that the medical needs of residents are already fulfilled by nine dispensaries located in DeSoto County, raising doubts about the necessity of establishing another in Southaven. Critics argue that opting in could lead to an irreversible trend toward legalizing recreational use, which they believe has had detrimental effects in other cities and may increase the operational burden on the Southaven Police Department.
Concerns from Law Enforcement
Police Chief Seth Kern reinforced these apprehensions, noting that legal medical cannabis complicates law enforcement efforts, necessitating additional time during traffic stops to verify prescriptions and incurring testing costs for taxpayers. He questioned why cannabis is not provided in standard pill form at pharmacies.
Advocates Highlight Citizen Needs
Alderman Jerome and Alderman Lewis countered that residents who genuinely require access to this medication should not have to travel to neighboring cities. “We want to help our citizens, and we want to give them every right to everything that is available to them,” Alderman Lewis remarked, emphasizing the potential of cannabis as an alternative to addictive opioids.
The meeting culminated in a decision for the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for future consideration that would limit dispensaries to the Medical Zone. The final vote on this ordinance will take place once it has been drafted and presented to the board.
Initially, Southaven opted out of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (SB 2095), signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves on February 2, 2022. This legislation established the framework for the state’s medical cannabis program, allowing municipalities the option to opt out. However, Southaven’s establishment of a Medical District suggests a willingness to reconsider its stance in the future.
