Advocates for medical marijuana in Mississippi frustrated following recent court decision

by

kobee vance

• Published on May 18, 2021 • Last modified on May 17, 2021 • Comments

Marijuana would have been distributed as a controlled substance in Mississippi under the medical marijuana program. Patients must have one of 22 qualifying illnesses to qualify, and must have a card issued by their doctor to purchase medical marijuana
AP Photos

Advocates for Mississippi's medical marijuana ballot initiative are expressing frustration that the measure has been overturned by the Mississippi Supreme Court. Businesses are also disappointed, having invested thousands in preparation for the program.

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The Mississippi Supreme Court ruling has ended the development of the state's medical-marijuana program. The court ruled that the state's ballot initiative process is outdated. 74%of Mississippians voted last November to legalize medical marijuana for the treatment of 22 debilitating diseases.

"It just felt like the life had sucked out of us. And I mean I literally cried for probably 30 minutes. My heart is just broken," says Rankin County resident Angie Calhoun, who advocated for the medical marijuana program for her son.

He moved to Colorado after graduating high school to receive treatment for chronic illnesses. She says the medical marijuana program in Mississippi would have allowed him to return home and continue treatment.

"I mean why should we have to send our children or any family member off to another state to receive treatment for medical marijuana," says Calhoun. "I mean, why are some patients being forced to possibly get it illegally. And it's just heartbreaking."

Businesses had already begun investing in property and equipment to participate in the medical marijuana program. Entrepreneur Daniel Thompson says he's spent tens of thousands of dollars on land for farming and distribution. He says the court's decision undermines months of work.

"In my opinion, the farming industry has already taken a hit with the crops and everything like that. So if you have a different crop that you can grow, bringing that particular market to the table could just allow the state to grow even more," says Thompson. "So it's a negative in my opinion, just because people want to play politics."

Advocates are asking the Governor to call a special legislative session to restore the ballot initiative process and the medical marijuana program.