As multiple cities across the state have chosen to opt out of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act of 2022, other cities wonder what is in store for those who still qualify for the act.
On Monday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) released information regarding requirements for qualifying conditions, licensing, business registration, and cultivation of medical marijuana.
Qualifying Conditions
Those who qualify for the medical marijuana program were included in the following list involving medical conditions or treatments:
“Cancer, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, muscular dystrophy, glaucoma, spastic quadriplegia, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, sickle cell anemia, Alzheimer’s, agitation of dementia, PTSD, autism, pain refractory to opioid management, diabetic/peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord disease, or severe injury; chronic medical treatment that causes cachexia or wasting, severe nausea, seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasms, or chronic pain.”
Those who qualify for the licensure will be required to meet in-person before and six months after being approved for the program. Certified patients will be given an identification card that costs $25 to renew every 12 months.
License Application
The MSDH announced they will begin taking online applications in June for the following:
- Patients
- Medical practitioners
- Cannabis cultivation facilities
- Cannabis processing facilities
- Cannabis testing facilities
- Cannabis waste disposal entities
- Cannabis transportation entities
Medical cannabis dispensaries are not included on the list of those who apply to the MSDH, however, the Mississippi Department of Revenue will be over the application process for the dispensaries.
Business Registration
If businesses wish to apply for a license through the MSDH, it is recommended that they first register with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Companies are also required to register using one of the following NAICS Codes:
| Type of Licensure | NAICS Code |
| Cultivator/Grower | 111419 |
| Processor/Wholesaler | 424590 |
| Transporter (local freight) | 484220 |
| Transporter (long distance) | 484230 |
| Testing Facility | 621511 |
| Dispensary | 453998 |
| Waste Disposal | 562211 |
Cultivation and Availability
Regulations regarding the cultivation of medical marijuana have already been released, requiring that the marijuana must be stored in a secure, indoor facility.
The MSDH added that to ensure that the products meet the requirements included in the medical marijuana act, products are anticipated to be available for patients nearing the end of this year.
“In order to ensure that individuals participating in the program receive products that have been tested and fall within the limits set by the Mississippi Legislature, MSDH anticipates that products will become available to patients in late 2022 to allow for cultivation of marijuana in the state and safety testing.”
To read the full report released by the MSDH, click here.
