Mississippi’s medical cannabis landscape is changing as the state heads into 2025. Recent legislative actions have resulted in modifications to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (MMCA) and the failure of a consumable hemp regulatory bill. While the medical cannabis program is still developing, these changes reflect ongoing efforts to refine the framework for cannabis use in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Legislature recently adopted amendments to the MMCA through Senate Bill 2748. One of the key updates is how the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Unit (MMCEU) is calculated. Beginning July 1, 2025, the definition of a unit for concentrates and infused products will shift. For concentrates, one MMCEU will equal one gram of total THC instead of one gram of the concentrate itself. Similarly, for infused products, one MMCEU will also equal one gram of total THC, changing from the previous measure of 100 milligrams of THC. The unit for cannabis flower remains at 3.5 grams. Patients will continue to be allowed to purchase up to 24 MMCEUs in a 30-day period, with a maximum possession limit of 28 MMCEUs.
Another significant change from SB 2748 is the removal of the requirement for in-person assessments for patients who are homebound or bedbound, as certified by a different practitioner. This adjustment aims to simplify access for qualifying patients who may have difficulty attending in-person appointments.
In contrast, a separate legislative effort aimed at regulating consumable hemp products fell short. House Bill 1502, proposed by Representative Lee Yancey, sought to limit the sale of hemp products to consumable items and hemp beverages, defining consumable hemp products primarily as cosmetics and non-intoxicating CBD products. The bill also aimed to set strict limits on hemp beverages, allowing only 12-ounce containers with a maximum of 5 milligrams of THC. Although the House approved the bill, it failed to pass the Senate by just one vote, leaving Mississippi without any regulatory framework for the hemp products sold statewide.
Despite these setbacks, Mississippi continues to be a leader in cannabis research. The state is home to the only federally sanctioned marijuana growing facility for decades, which has enabled substantial government-funded cannabis research. Recently, the Mississippi Legislature allocated additional funding for cannabis research, and the University of Mississippi announced plans to expand its cannabis research center. The new Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) will operate within the National Center for Natural Products Research at Ole Miss. This center will collaborate with various organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and Washington State University, to further cannabis research.
As of now, Mississippi’s medical cannabis program has issued 56,231 active medical cannabis cards. The Department of Revenue’s latest quarterly retail sales report indicates a 61% increase in medical cannabis sales compared to the same period last year, totaling approximately $32.3 million in sales. Though the industry is still maturing, these figures suggest a positive trend in cannabis usage in the state.
In summary, Mississippi’s evolving cannabis legislation reflects ongoing efforts to improve access and regulation within the medical cannabis program. While challenges persist—especially regarding hemp regulation—the commitment to research and program development may lead to further advancements in the state’s cannabis landscape.
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