Mississippi Lags Behind in Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
While 24 states in the US have legalized recreational marijuana, Mississippi remains one of the few states that still prohibits it. However, the state has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana for personal use, making it a fine-only offense rather than a criminal charge.
According to NORML, a non-profit organization that advocates for the legalization of marijuana, possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana can result in a fine of $100 to $250 for a first-time offense. For a second offense, the fine can increase to $250, and the individual can face a misdemeanor charge, up to 60 days in jail, and a fine of up to $250.
Hash and concentrates have a harsher penalty, with possession of 0.1 grams or less punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Driving under the influence of marijuana is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine, regardless of the amount of marijuana in the vehicle.
Mississippi does allow the sale of “intoxicating hemp” drinks that contain low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. These products are available in stores and do not require an age restriction.
Medical marijuana is legal in Mississippi, but it is only available for patients with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, glaucoma, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients must obtain a medical prescription card from a state-registered doctor and pay a fee of $25, which is waived for indigent patients, veterans, and those on Medicaid.
With a prescription card, patients can visit a dispensary and purchase up to six Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MCEUs) per week. One MCEU is equivalent to 3.5 grams of flower, 1 gram of THC concentrates, or 100 milligrams of THC in an infused product.
Growing marijuana at home is not legal in Mississippi, and it is a felony to sell or grow marijuana in the state. The state regulates licensed facilities that cultivate cannabis for medical use or production.
In contrast, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, including Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
