Cannabis Law

Cannabis law is a quickly emerging field of law that requires navigation by professionals acquainted with state regulations. 37 states across the country have embraced the use of medical marijuana, including Mississippi. In this time of change for Mississippi, look to Hagwood & Tipton’s healthcare attorneys for questions about cannabis. 

Hagwood & Tipton’s healthcare attorneys are in the unique position to assist clients in navigating this complex area. Our healthcare attorneys work closely with the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure, Mississippi Board of Nursing, Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and Mississippi State Department of Health. 

When cannabis businesses face challenges with state regulations, Hagwood & Tipton’s healthcare attorneys are available to provide guidance and advice regarding cannabis law. Physicians, medical clinics, distributors, processing facilities and others can rely on our healthcare attorneys for skilled and thorough assistance. 

If you want to cultivate, process, distribute, recommend or have additional questions about what the Mississippi cannabis laws mean for you, Hagwood & Tipton’s healthcare attorneys can help you sort out what you need.

What to Expect 

On Nov. 3, 2020, Mississippi constituents passed a medical marijuana program through Initiative 65. Initiative 65 stemmed from a campaign that secured signatures from more than 228,000 Mississippians, and it was supported by doctors, law enforcement, veterans, religious leaders and others who believe those in Mississippi dealing with debilitating medical conditions should have access to medical marijuana. 

After months of progress with the medical marijuana program, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned the overwhelmingly supported Initiative 65. A technicality regarding the process the campaign took to obtain the required signatures caused the Mississippi Supreme Court to overturn Initiative 65. The campaign obtained signatures through the five congressional districts outlined in state law, not based on the four congressional districts determined by federal law. Not only did the Mississippi Supreme Court overturn Initiative 65, but it also prohibited any additional ballot initiatives from taking place until the law regarding the congressional districts was resolved by the Mississippi legislature. 

In early 2022, Mississippi state legislators passed the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act with over 90% approval. The bill became effective Feb. 2, 2022, when Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill into law.  

The Mississippi Department of Health plans to begin accepting license applications by June 2022 for patients; medical practitioners; cannabis cultivation facilities; cannabis processing facilities; cannabis testing facilities; cannabis waste disposal entities; and cannabis transportation entities. Once the application process opens, there will be a 30-day approval period for the licensure applications and a five-day approval time for patients.