Mississippi’s Hopes for Medical Marijuana Expansion Dashed
Despite numerous attempts to expand access to medical marijuana in Mississippi, most bills failed to make it out of committee. Only three bills, all originating in the House, managed to clear the chamber and make it to the Senate. Two of these bills have since survived the Senate public health committee and are awaiting the governor’s signature.
One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. Lee Yancey, R-Brandon, aims to make changes to the state’s medical marijuana program. The bill would eliminate the requirement for patients to attend a follow-up appointment with their doctor to evaluate the impact of medical marijuana on their health. It would also remove the existing potency caps for cannabis oils and concentrates, which are currently set at 60%.
Yancey argued that removing the potency caps could lead to patients consuming less medical marijuana, as a smaller, stronger dose could have the same impact. The bill drew little opposition in either chamber.
The other change proposed by Yancey’s bill would double the validity period of caregiver cards. Caregivers, who are certified to purchase cannabis at dispensaries, transport it, and administer it to patients, currently have to renew their certifications every year.
If signed by Governor Tate Reeves, these changes would take effect in July. While the bills did not legalize recreational marijuana or expand access to the program, they do represent a step forward for medical marijuana patients in Mississippi.
