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Mississippi is on the verge of becoming the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis. The state’s Medical Cannabis Act was passed by lawmakers last year, and recently, the Mississippi legislature approved a bill mandating changes to the law. However, with all the changes, many potential cannabis entrepreneurs are left wondering when Mississippi dispensaries will open and how they can secure a Mississippi cannabis license.
Is weed legal in Mississippi?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Mississippi. In 2020, Mississippians approved Initiative 65, which allows doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients with qualifying conditions. In 2021, the Mississippi legislature passed the Medical Cannabis Act, which further clarified the regulations for medical marijuana.
Mississippi is on the verge of becoming the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis. The state’s Medical Cannabis Act was passed by lawmakers last year, and recently, the Mississippi legislature approved a bill mandating changes to the law. However, with all the changes, many potential cannabis entrepreneurs are left wondering when Mississippi dispensaries will open and how they can secure a Mississippi cannabis license.
House Bill 1158 reduces the current requirement of 30 days for the Mississippi Department of Health to approve a patient’s application to use medical marijuana to 10 days.
When will Mississippi dispensaries open?
It’s unclear when Mississippi dispensaries will open, but the Mississippi Department of Health is currently in the process of drafting rules and regulations for the program. Once these rules and regulations are finalized, the state will begin accepting applications for medical marijuana licenses. It is expected that the first Mississippi dispensaries will open in late 2022 or early 2023.
How to get a Mississippi cannabis license?
To get a Mississippi cannabis license, you will need to apply to the Mississippi Department of Health once the application process is open. The department will be responsible for regulating and issuing medical marijuana licenses in the state. The exact application requirements are not yet known, but we anticipate that applicants will need to provide proof of residency, pass a background check, and pay a fee. The department is also likely to require applicants to have experience in the cannabis industry or to partner with a company that has experience in the industry.
What are the changes to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act?
House Bill 1158 makes several changes to the Medical Cannabis Act. The bill clarifies provisions of Mississippi’s medical marijuana law, such as the requirements for doctors to certify patients for medical marijuana. It also requires the Mississippi Department of Health to approve a patient’s application to use medical marijuana within 10 days, a reduction from the current requirement of 30 days, to address the backlog in processing applications. The bill allows licensed medical marijuana businesses to use marijuana imagery in company logos and other branding and to sell hemp-derived products that are legal under federal law, including low-THC CBD formulations. Additionally, the bill allows dispensaries to sell topical medical cannabis products that cannot be ingested to adults 21 and older without a medical marijuana identification card.
Mississippi is on the verge of opening its medical marijuana program, and with it, the opportunity for entrepreneurs to get a Mississippi cannabis license.
At CannDelta, we are excited to see the progress being made in Mississippi and are committed to helping clients navigate the complex cannabis licensing process.
If you’re interested in starting a cannabis business in Mississippi, now is the time to start planning. With the right preparation, you can position yourself for success in this growing industry. Follow us on Instagram for latest updates on Mississippi cannabis license process.
