Mississippi’s Marijuana Maze: Medical Cannabis is In, But What About Full Legalization?

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When it comes to cannabis in Mississippi, the answer to whether it’s legal is… well, it depends. The Magnolia State has taken some steps forward, but full legalization is still out of reach. Medical marijuana got the green light in 2022, making Mississippi the 37th state to roll out a medical cannabis program. But for anyone hoping to light up recreationally, you’ll have to keep waiting.

Medical Marijuana: A Pathway for Patients

Mississippi’s medical marijuana program was signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves on February 2, 2022. So, if you’ve got a qualifying medical condition, you’re in luck—sort of. Before you can access medical cannabis, you’ll need a prescription card from a state-registered physician. There’s a list of more than 20 qualifying conditions, from cancer to Crohn’s disease, and that list can be updated by the state’s Department of Health as new requests roll in.

Once you’ve jumped through the hoops, you’re allowed to hit up one of the nearly 200 dispensaries in the state. But keep in mind, that Mississippi isn’t exactly a free-for-all when it comes to quantity. Patients are limited to 24 Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs) per month. What’s an MMCEU? It’s just the state’s way of measuring cannabis products—one unit could be 3.5 grams of flower, one gram of concentrates, or 100 milligrams of THC-infused products. So, plan your stash wisely.

What About Out-of-Staters?

If you’re from out of state and have a medical cannabis card, you’re in luck, but there’s some fine print. You’ll need to register with the Mississippi State Department of Health before you can legally buy your products. Once you’re cleared, you can purchase cannabis during your time in the state. Just don’t expect to come in as an outsider and start running a cannabis business—Mississippi keeps those privileges for its residents.

The Recreational Scene: Still a No-Go

For now, Mississippi isn’t budging on recreational cannabis. While more than 20 other states have legalized recreational use, Mississippi has drawn a line in the sand. But don’t count it out just yet. Advocates are pushing to change that, and with the growing trend of recreational states, Mississippi could feel the pressure soon enough. Currently, the medical program remains the state’s only legal avenue for cannabis use.

Cannabis Cafés and Out-of-State Businesses? Forget It.

Mississippi’s cannabis scene is controlled tightly by in-state operations. Out-of-state businesses aren’t allowed to test, sell, or manufacture cannabis here, and there are strict limits on ownership stakes for outsiders. This keeps the market small, local, and very much in-state.

While the medical marijuana law is a big step, there’s still a long way to go before Mississippi opens the door to recreational use or loosens its grip on out-of-state influence.

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