More than 30 states have legalized marijuana in some form, now it's time for Mississippi to do the same. That's according to a state legislator who wants Mississippians to have access to the drug. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
The Mississippi Medical Marijuana Act would allow those with conditions like cancer, Parkinson's Disease and ALS to legally use marijuana by obtaining a prescription from a doctor. House Democrat Omeria Scott of Jasper County introduced House Bill 1371. The breast cancer survivor says when she was receiving treatment outside of the state, she met people who used marijuana for a variety of painful conditions.
"Talking about the derivative products that they use the teas and the ointments and what have you," said Scott.
In 2014 Mississippi passed Harper Grace's Law. It provides for using cannabis oil which is a part of the marijuana plant, to treat people with a rare form of epilepsy. Scott says its time to join other states like Arkansas and Louisiana and make marijuana more accessible for medicinal use. House Republican Richard Bennett of Harrison County is opposed to the bill.
"Until we know a little more about it, no I don't think it's an issue. I can tell you that I'm not in favor of it and I don't believe the House as a whole is in favor of it," said Bennett.
Scott says people would have to obtain a registration card from the Health Department to obtain marijuana. She adds it would also create jobs. The bill requires licensing dispensaries and cultivators to grow the product. Scott says it's safer than people buying it on the Black Market and not knowing what's in it. A hearing about the issue is next Monday at the capitol.
