In a recent interview, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (R) spoke about the future of medical cannabis in the state. “I support the will of the voters. … I think we will have a medical marijuana program in Mississippi,” he said. “It is imperative that we get it done, and we get it done quickly.”

However, the governor did not discuss any potential upcoming special session. This special session would call specifically for a medical cannabis program creation and initiative process update. From 2012-2020, Governor Reeves served as the state’s Lieutenant Governor. He spoke about a few different attempts made to update the initiative process after the state lost its fifth congressional district. But they were never acted on. Governor Reeves says he wants the people to have their initiative process restored. Then they are able to have a direct input to the legislative process in the future. 

Lawmaker Response

The Senate Public Health Committee met to discuss different options for a medical cannabis program. Some say a program mirroring the overturned IM 65 measures best. IM 65 did receive 74 percent of the vote in the 2020 election, around 766,000 votes. To put that in perspective, that’s around 10,000 more votes than those who voted for former President Trump, which won him the state of Mississippi. 

Other lawmakers say that the state should just legalize a recreational program that covers medical provisions for those under 21 who use cannabis as a medicine. However, these differences are what seem to be holding back a special session, according to the Senate Committee Chairman Hop Byran (D). Until lawmakers decide on which kind of cannabis program they want to approve, they will remain at a standstill and a special session won’t be called.

Voter Response

The initial Supreme Court ruling to overturn IM 65 on a technicality saw 70 percent of voters wanting lawmakers to create an identical bill. They wanted IM 65 rewritten and approved by the legislature. Additionally, several others wanted to impeach the judges who overturned IM 65. 

Now, the Millsaps College conducted a poll with the general public about how they felt about medical cannabis and legalization efforts. 63 percent said that they wanted lawmakers to create a medical cannabis bill mirroring IM 65. This is a decrease from the initial percent after the initial ruling released on May 14. 20 percent of voters said medical cannabis is the single most important issue that will determine how they will vote in the next election for any lawmakers up for reelection. Finally, 52 percent of voters say prohibition should end all together. Recreational cannabis should be legal in Mississippi. 

Future

The people of Mississippi have expressed their opinions of medical cannabis, and they want it. It is now up to lawmakers, along with the governor, to enact the will of the people.

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