Wednesday, June 1, was a massive day for medical marijuana advocates in Mississippi as medical marijuana patients were approved to submit their applications for a card in the Magnolia State. Also, businesses that want to invest and grow cannabis will be able to apply for licenses. Although this might not seem to be a big deal to other Americans living in states that have legalized cannabis, it was a day to celebrate for those in Mississippi.
This deal has been coming after Governor Tate Reeves signed the legislation making Mississippi the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana in February. In February, the Governor said, “There is no doubt that there are individuals in our state who could do significantly better if they had access to medically prescribed doses of cannabis.” 74% of Mississippi voters approved the medical marijuana program.
Despite 74% of voters supporting the medical marijuana program, Mississippi Today reported that at least 28 cities and a dozen counties have entirely opted out of the medical marijuana program. The state health department added that they have no official list of all the municipalities restricting cannabis businesses.
Ken Newburger, Director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, said the law did not include a provision for municipalities to report to the state health department. At the same time, it is not an opportunity for anyone to go around the system.
Newburger said, “If you try to open a dispensary in a city that has opted out, the local officials have every power to stop you and report you to the state.”
Patients who live in counties that have opted out of the program can still possess and use medical marijuana. With the application approval set at 30 days for licensure applications and a five-day approval time for program patients, Newburger said it might be late this year or early next year before patients can receive medical marijuana. Licensing for medical cannabis dispensaries will begin on July 1 after all the applications have passed through the Mississippi State Health Department and it will require a physician’s approval.
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