Members of the Mississippi Home and Senate on Tuesday introduced a remaining settlement on a bill to create a medical marijuana program within the state.
The deal comes after lawmakers within the Home revised the invoice the Senate passed Jan. 13.
State Sen. Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven and Rep. Lee Yancey, R-Brandon, labored on the invoice collectively and stated they count on each chambers to approve the ultimate invoice Wednesday. As soon as it passes, Gov. Tate Reeves can both signal it into regulation, let it change into regulation with out signing it, or veto the invoice.
Variations of the invoice handed each chambers with a veto-proof majority. Mississippi would change into the thirty seventh state to legalize medical marijuana.
Lawmakers’ remaining compromise facilities round how typically and the way a lot hashish a medical marijuana affected person should buy. As written, the invoice permits sufferers to buy 3.5 grams of hashish as much as six occasions per week, or about 3 ounces a month.
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That is a lower from the three.5 ounces a month the Senate initially handed, and the 5 ounces a month voters authorized in November 2020.
Gov. Tate Reeves repeatedly asked lawmakers to decrease the quantity of marijuana an individual might buy, suggesting he would possibly veto the invoice in the event that they did not.
Blackwell and Yancey stated the acquisition restrict will in all probability enhance within the coming years.
“If we discover out that three (ounces) is not sufficient, we will come again and simply add,” Blackwell stated.
DeAundrea Delaney owns seven hemp dispensaries within the Jackson metro space and stated she plans to transform her shops to hashish dispensaries as soon as the invoice turns into regulation.
Delaney plans to begin what she calls a inexperienced empire, and is happy concerning the financial alternatives that can change into obtainable as soon as the burgeoning business finds its footing.
“It is simply going to be general helpful to the state now with this system being in place,” Delaney stated.
Lee O. Sanderlin is an investigative and political reporter overlaying the state of Mississippi. Obtained a narrative tip? You may name him at 601-559-3857, ship it to [email protected] or message him on Twitter @LeeOSanderlin.
