Mississippi voted on two versions of a medical cannabis program this election: Initiative 65 and the more restricted Initiative 65A. Now, with 93% of precincts reporting, The Associated Press projects Initiative 65 will pass, legalizing a robust medical marijuana program in the state.
Initiative 65 will permit those with qualifying conditions to possess and use medical marijuana. The initiative, spearheaded by Mississippians for Compassionate Care, was put on the ballot earlier this year.
Here are some key components of Mississippi’s Initiative 65:
- It will legalize the provision of medical marijuana by licensed treatment centers
- It will allow patients with one of 22 qualifying conditions (including PTSD, cancer, and epilepsy) to use and access medical cannabis
- Patients will be required to apply for a medical marijuana card, which would be renewed annually
- Patients will not be permitted to have more than 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks
- It will not permit at-home cultivation
The Mississippi Department of Health is required to create an operational medical marijuana regulatory program by August, 2021.