Months after the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned IM 65, which legalized medical cannabis, lawmakers have come to an agreement on a bill draft. IM 65, which received 74 percent of the public vote, became overturned by the Supreme Court on technicality. Since then, lawmakers have been working together to create a draft of a medical cannabis bill. With such a large number of people voting for medical cannabis, lawmakers needed to create their own bill to legalize it in the state.

Previously, Governor Reeves has said he would call for a special session on medical cannabis if lawmakers come to an agreement. Governor Reeves has also expressed support for the will of the voters. Now that lawmakers have come to an agreement, he will most likely call for a special session soon. However, there is no information surrounding a date or time. 

Recently, Representative Yancey spoke with local news reporters about some of the main provisions in the medical cannabis bill. Those have been kept under wraps since discussions began. There are several key points in the draft of the bill. 

Medical Cannabis Bill

First, cities and counties can opt out of the medical cannabis program. 90 days after a bill becomes law, cities and counties can pull out of the state’s program. On the flip side, voters can opt back in on the medical cannabis program. Around 20 percent of the voters in the area must sign a petition to put a referendum on the ballot. If the measure does pass, then the change is permanent. Medical cannabis sales will become legal in the county and cannot change back. 

Next, smoking medical cannabis is allowed under the bill draft. Not all state programs offer smokable cannabis, so it’s interesting to see Mississippi is allowing smokable products from the start. However, outdoor growth and home growth remains prohibited under this medical cannabis draft. 

“There are those who have certain debilitating conditions who need the effects of medical cannabis to take effect immediately,”  Representative Yancey said. “Ingesting a gummy or something like that could take 45 minutes to an hour.”

The medical cannabis bill draft requires a product’s potency. A cap of 30 percent THC remains in place for cannabis flower. Additionally, a 60 percent cap is set on concentrates and infused products. Similar to what Representative Yancey said above, the concentration and infused products have a higher THC blend in them because they take longer to help patients begin to feel the effects of their medicine right away.

The State Health Department will be in charge of the medical cannabis program. The Department of Revenue and the Agriculture Commission will have some responsibilities as well. All sales will be subject to the state’s tax of seven percent. Additionally, sales will also receive a $15 per ounce excise charge. This will help create more revenue for the state to keep the medical cannabis program up and running. 

Next Steps

With an agreement decided upon, lawmakers will now petition Governor Reeves to call for a special session. That way, lawmakers can give the people what they voted for. If Governor Reeves calls for a special session, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.