Mississippi Initiative 65 Passed – Now What?

Mississippi Initiative 65 Passed – Now What?

On November 3rd, 2020, Mississippi voters had the opportunity to vote on Initiative 65, also known as the “Mississippians for Compassionate Care” to legalize and established a medical marijuana program in the state.

Initiative 65 to legalize medical marijuana passed with a 67% for and 33% against.

What does this mean for Mississippi and the Marijuana Program?

The passing of this initiative, put forward by citizen advocates, allows patients with qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana. The following rules are enforced by The Mississippi State Department of Health:

• 20 qualifying medical conditions, including PTSD, cancer, glaucoma, and epilepsy.
• Patients are limited to obtaining or possessing no more than 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 14 days.
• Homegrown is not be permitted.
• Undefined number of “medical marijuana treatment centers,” the initiative’s term for cultivation, manufacturing, processing, and dispensary facilities.
• The state is prohibited from limiting the number of medical marijuana treatment center licenses.
• Patients need to renew their state medical marijuana cards annually.

The regulating department is to adopt final program rules by July 1, 2021, and start issuing medical marijuana treatment center licenses no later than Aug. 15, 2021.

We encourage those interested in starting a marijuana business, to be proactive and establish your Business and Financial plans. If you are interested in applying for a marijuana business license in Mississippi, email us to discuss how we may be able to assist you.