Mississippi Medical Marijuana Laws

Mississippi Medical Marijuana

Brief Overview

Mississippi’s cannabis legislation has undergone significant changes in recent years. The state saw a pivotal moment in 2020 when Mississippians embraced Initiative 65, making it the 36th state in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis.

As of now, known as The Magnolia State, Mississippi only allows for the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids like CBD, with recreational cannabis still not on the table for consideration. This article serves as an in-depth exploration of Mississippi’s intricate laws and regulations regarding cannabis, forming part of our comprehensive series that sheds light on state-specific cannabis laws.

This detailed analysis aims to provide invaluable insights for both existing and potential dispensary operators looking to navigate the cannabis landscape in Mississippi.

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Laws at a Glance

  • The Mississippi Department of Health is responsible for overseeing Mississippi’s medical cannabis program.
  • Dispensaries in Mississippi must submit medical cannabis dispensing data to the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) every 24 hours.
  • Advertising in any media form, including radio, TV, and social media, is off-limits for licensed dispensaries.
  • Dispensaries are not allowed to be located within 1,000 feet of a school, church, or childcare facility without prior approval.
  • Additionally, a dispensary cannot sell cannabis flower or trim with more than 30% total THC content.
  • Cardholders are limited to receiving a maximum of six MMCEUs (21 grams) from one or more dispensaries in a seven-day period.
  • The State of Mississippi cannabis program uses Metrc as its seed-to-sale tracking system.

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Eligibility

Medical conditions in Mississippi that qualify for medical marijuana card eligibility.

Here’s a complete list of every medical condition the department of health includes in the Mississippi medical cannabis program:

  • Cancer
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Glaucoma
  • Spastic quadriplegia
  • Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • Hepatitis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Sickle-cell anemia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Agitation of dementia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Autism
  • Pain refractory to appropriate opioid management
  • Diabetic/peripheral neuropathy
  • Spinal cord disease or severe injury

You also qualify if you have any other terminal, chronic, or debilitating disease or medical condition that has one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Chronic pain
  • Severe or intractable nausea
  • Seizures
  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms including, but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis

Restrictions for Mississippi Medical Marijuana Card

To enroll in Mississippi’s medical marijuana program, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older (with parental consent for patients under 18).
  • Have a current diagnosis of a debilitating medical condition.
  • Obtain a doctor’s written certification.
  • Show proof of Mississippi residency (e.g., valid Mississippi driver’s license or state ID).
  • Not have a school bus permit or commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • Not be an active duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or firefighter.

Can someone living in another state apply for a medical cannabis card in Mississippi?

Initiative 65 doesn’t mandate Mississippi residency for cannabis patients. However, transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal offense. Remember to consume your purchase before departing the state to comply with laws.

What types of identification are accepted?

Government-issued identification cards like driver’s licenses or state IDs are valid forms of ID.

Do I need to be a Mississippi state resident to apply for a medical marijuana card?

Applying for a medical card in Mississippi is primarily intended for residents, focusing on health and well-being. Although non-residents can technically apply, the program prioritizes Mississippi residents’ access to medical benefits.

 

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Application Process

Guide to Patient Certification for Medical Cannabis in Mississippi

To become certified for medical cannabis in Mississippi, follow these steps:

  1. Visit a participating physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or optometrist in the medical cannabis program for certification.
  2. The medical professional will assess your medical condition to determine eligibility and register your certification with the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
  3. Within six months of certification, apply online as a patient through the Medical Cannabis Program portal linked below. Upon approval, you’ll receive an electronic identification card for use at dispensaries.

Applying Online:

  • Register on our online Portal using a valid email address.
  • Select your application type.
  • Verify your registration via email.
  • Start your application and upload necessary documents.
  • Approval time: Expect a 10-day processing time for licensure applications and patient identification cards available within five days post-approval. Applications are reviewed in the order of submission.

For more information, refer to the “Steps to Being Certified” PDF diagram. Please note that the Mississippi State Department of Health maintains patient confidentiality in the medical cannabis program.

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Doctors near you!

Our team is here to support you through every step. Starting with a thorough evaluation by our skilled physicians to assess your medical condition. We are dedicated to offering in-depth education and guidance as you apply for the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP).

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Purchase Limits & Usage

In accordance with Mississippi medical marijuana law, a medical cardholder may not receive more than 6 MMCEUs (21 grams) from a dispensary or combination of dispensaries during any seven-day period.

An “MMCEU” is a Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Unit. One MMCEU is equal to the following:

  • 3.5 grams of marijuana flower

  • 1 gram of cannabis concentrate

  • 100 milligrams of THC in an infused product

Additionally, resident Mississippi medical cannabis cardholders are limited to 24 MMCEUs (84 grams) during any thirty-day period.

Non-resident cardholders are limited to 12 MMCEUs (42 grams) from a dispensary or a combination of dispensaries during any rolling fifteen-day period.

Mississippi Medical Marijuana- Potency Caps

  • Flower cannot exceed 30% THC.
  • Tinctures, oils, and concentrates may not exceed 60%.

Mississippi Medical Cannabis- Other Limitations

  • Patients are prohibited from smoking or vaporizing cannabis in motor vehicles or public spaces.
  • They are also not permitted to cultivate their own cannabis.
  • Minors require parental consent and supervision for cannabis use.
  • Those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter a dispensary.
  • Patients are restricted from driving or engaging in activities that could jeopardize safety or entail professional negligence while under the influence.
  • The legislation does not mandate insurance coverage for medical cannabis or compel employers to accommodate cannabis use or exempt individuals from drug testing.
  • Landlords retain the right to restrict tenants from using medical cannabis at home.
  • Cardholders and staff at medical cannabis facilities who misuse cannabis risk losing their identification cards and facing severe penalties.

Mississippi Medical Marijuana Card!

We have locations throughout Mississippi to help serve all our medical marijuana patients!  Come get your Mississippi Medical Marijuana Card by visiting one of our locations in;