Jackson, MS: Lawmakers have approved legislation, House Bill 1158, amending provisions of the state’s medical cannabis access law.
Proposed changes to the law will make it easier for qualified patients to register for the program and for physicians to participate in it. Language in the bill also expedites the timeline during which officials must approve patients’ registry applications. Other proposed changes require designated caregivers to undergo criminal background checks.
The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Tate Reeves for final approval.
State-licensed dispensaries began selling medical cannabis to qualified patients in January, nearly one year after legislators passed comprehensive legislation regulating its production and dispensing.
Voters in 2020 had initially decided in favor of a citizens’ initiative legalizing medical cannabis use. However, the state Supreme Court later struck down the state’s initiative process, thereby nullifying the election result.
Additional information on pending legislation is available from NORML’s ‘Take Action Center.’
Source: NORML – make a donation