Mississippi to Begin Accepting Medical Cannabis Applications in June

The Mississippi Department of Health (DOH) announced shortly after becoming the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis that it would begin accepting applications for a variety of license types in June, the Associated Press reports. These will include permits for patients and licenses for growing facilities and dispensaries. However, officials say dispensaries are months away from opening due to the time needed to establish a new licensing system.

“The goal is to provide a safe and accessible program that meets the needs of patients and the public health and safety of all Mississippi residents.” – MDOH in a press release

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed medical cannabis into law earlier this month after a legalization proposal passed by voters in 2020 was overturned in a court challenge. The new law sets patient purchase limits at 3.5 ounces a day, far below the daily purchase limit of five ounces that was approved in the 2020 initiative. Cities and counties may opt out of allowing cannabis businesses, but residents may petition for an election to overturn a cannabis ban. Under the law, cannabis production is relegated to exclusively indoor.

In an interesting twist to the indoor-only cannabis cultivation policy adopted by Mississippi, the nearby Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) said it will not provide power to cultivate or distribute cannabis as it is federally illegal, according to an Oxford Eagle report.

“Given this important point, TVA will not direct any federal resources or funds to the cultivation and/or distribution of marijuana,” the TVA said in a statement.