Proposed changes to Mississippi’s medical cannabis program are sparking discussions about expanding access, refining regulations, and addressing inefficiencies. The Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, a nine-member panel tasked with guiding the program, is actively considering these updates ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Easing Access for Young Adults
One major topic under review is the current requirement for individuals aged 18 to 25 to obtain two separate physician referrals before qualifying for a medical cannabis card. The committee is debating whether this rule should be relaxed for patients aged 21 and older.
Elizabeth Feder-Hosey from Mississippi Patient Voices argued that many young adults are already living independently, supporting families, or serving in the military. She noted the requirement places undue burdens on responsible adults.
For comparison, Montana mandates two physician approvals for minors applying for medical cannabis, except when treated by specialists such as oncologists or neurologists. This raises questions about whether Mississippi’s rules are unnecessarily strict.
A single referral system for adults aged 21+ might simplify the process without compromising safety.
Expanding Qualifying Conditions
Currently, Mississippi’s program recognizes 20 medical conditions for cannabis treatment. However, advocates are pushing for the inclusion of additional ailments like anxiety and insomnia.
Angie Calhoun, CEO of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance, shared plans to research anxiety as a qualifying condition. Preliminary studies suggest cannabis may alleviate anxiety, especially in cases of Social Anxiety Disorder. However, experts stress the importance of careful dosage and attention to CBD-to-THC ratios.
- A recent study from New Jersey indicates low doses of THC can effectively manage anxiety.
- Personal factors, such as family psychiatric history and concurrent treatments, play a role in determining suitability.
Calhoun also mentioned plans for a state-led study in early 2025 to gather data on patients’ experiences and product efficacy. Insights from this research could help refine treatment protocols and expand the list of qualifying conditions.
Telemedicine and Rural Access
Access remains a pressing issue, especially in Mississippi’s rural areas. Currently, telemedicine services are only allowed for card renewals. Advocates are pushing to allow telehealth consultations for initial assessments, particularly for homebound or disabled patients.
Feder-Hosey recounted the difficulty of transporting patients long distances for initial referrals. Allowing telemedicine could address such challenges and make the program more accessible statewide.
There’s also a push to modify the state’s reciprocity program. Advocates suggest extending non-resident medical cannabis cards from 15 days to 90 days and eliminating limits on card renewals. These changes could boost program revenue by attracting more out-of-state patients.
Adjustments for Cultivators and Manufacturers
Growers and processors in Mississippi are facing hurdles due to inconsistent testing results across cannabis labs. Derrick Mackmer from Well Craft Cultivation highlighted discrepancies in lab certifications, which cause varying test results for the same cannabis batch.
Proposed changes include standardizing lab certifications to ensure reliable results.
Another contentious issue is the cap on THC concentrations in cannabis products. Mississippi’s current limits often necessitate additives, reducing product quality. Some states allow THC concentrations as high as 95%, and there’s growing support for Mississippi to follow suit.
“Adjusting the concentrate formula seems to be a higher priority than revising the flower formula,” noted Advisory Committee Chair Jeff Webb.
Potential Legislative Changes
Several other program updates are expected to be discussed during the legislative session:
- Surveillance video storage: Reducing storage timelines from 120 days to 60 days for cannabis facilities.
- MMCEU system revisions: Simplifying unit equivalencies to reflect total THC content rather than specific product formats.
These changes aim to streamline the program while maintaining compliance with state and federal standards.
