Medical marijuana is not expected to reach patients in Mississippi until the end of the year, says Kris Jones Adcock, director of the state’s medical marijuana program.
During a press conference Monday, Adcock and Jim Craig, both with the Mississippi State Department of Health, discussed the status of the program and the online account portal that launched last week.
“I am happy to report that we are up and running with our licensing system, and we’ll have more information forthcoming with our seed-to-sale system that our licensees will utilize,” Adcock said.
Both the Greenwood City Council and the Leflore County Board of Supervisors have chosen to opt out of the medical marijuana program for the time being to gain more clarity and direction on what the program requires.
Both entities have signaled an intention to opt in eventually.
“This is a brand-new program,” Craig said. “I know everyone would love for it to be fully up and operational, but there is a time period for the cultivators and the processors to actually grow the product.”
Adcock said 1,800 accounts had been created as of Monday, with 85% of those being patients.
Medical practitioners must submit applications to receive medical certification to prescribe medical marijuana. She said that so far, nine practitioners have created online accounts.
Once a practitioner certifies a patient for marijuana, a patient submits an application through the online portal within 60 days of certification. Adcock said the department will then have five days to approve or deny the application.
Identification cards are good for one year, and the patient can select the dispensary of his or her choice.
Licenses for businesses are being managed through the state Department of Revenue. Applications will become available July 1.
Craig, director of the Office of Health Protection, said that medical marijuana produced in Mississippi will go through an extensive testing process to ensure that it has no contaminants.
He announced the advertising regulations for businesses, which are limited to a logo and a website. Other methods of advertising, such as billboards or a social media presence, are prohibited.
More information on the state’s medical marijuana program, as well as access to the online account portal, can be found at mdsh.ms.gov.
- Contact Kevin Edwards at 662-581-7233 or kedwards@gwcommonwealth.com.
