Cannabis in Mississippi

Cannabis in Mississippi, United States, is illegal for recreational and medical purposes, but use of low-THC/high-CBD products is allowed for severe seizure disorders under 2014 legislation. Possession of small amounts was decriminalized in 1978.

1978 decriminalization

In 1978, during a short-lived wave of decriminalization in the country, Mississippi reduced the penalty for possession of under 30 grams of cannabis to a fine with no jail time.[1]

2014 legalization of CBD

House Bill 1231 was introduced by Representative Sam C. Mims (R) and referred to Judiciary Committee on January 2, 2014. It passed by the House by a vote of 119-0 on February 6, 2014 and was transmitted to the Senate on February 7, 2014 which then passed and was amended by a vote of 52-0 on March 6, 2014. The House and the Senate signed HB 1231 on March 30, 2014 which was Sent to Governor Bryant on April 1, 2014.

In April 2014, Governor Phil Bryant signed into law HB1231, "Harper Grace's Act", following a house vote of 112-6 and Senate vote of 49-0. The Daily Chronic criticized the measure, noting that while it authorizes three research centers to produce high-CBD extracts, there is no assured means for patients to obtain the extracts.[2]

This law allows "processed cannabis plant extract, oil or resin that contains more than fifteen percent (15%) cannabidiol (CBD) or a dilution of the resin that contains at least fifty (50) milligrams of cannabidiol per milliliter, but not more than one-half of one percent (.5%) of tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]. CBD oil may only be obtained by the order of a physician who is licensed to practice in Mississippi. Administering CBD oil to a patient must be done by or under the direction or direct supervision of a physician. The CBD oil must be obtained from or tested by the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi and dispensed by the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center."

"Harper Grace's Law" would create more restrictive rules that exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana. House Bill 1231 only allows processed cannabis plant extract, oil or resin that contains more than 15% of cannabidiol (CBD) and no more than 0.5% THC.[3]

References

  1. "Miss. among 14 states with progressive marijuana laws". Clarionledger.com. 2014-07-28. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  2. "Limited Medical Marijuana Law Takes Effect in Mississippi". Thedailychronic.net. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  3. O'Keefe, Karen. "8 States with Pending Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana - Medical Marijuana - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. February 6, 2014.
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