As of today, there are currently twenty-two (22) states in addition to the District of Columbia that allow for the use of medical marijuana. Two states, Colorado and Washington, have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. While it does not appear that many states will follow suit in the near future as far as the legalization of the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, it is quite possible that Mississippi and other states may lean towards legalizing marijuana for widespread medical use. Currently, Mississippi does have a law that allows for the very limited use of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis extracts that are often used to treat debilitating seizure disorders. While this certainly is a move in the right direction for those in support of the legalization of medical marijuana, this is a small part of a much larger push to reach a wide range of patients.
Ole Miss Currently Grows Medical Marijuana
What many Mississippians do not know is that Ole Miss has been producing federally legal medical marijuana since 1968. However, the school has not been allowed to use most of what is produced for its own clinical research programs. It takes a number of steps in order to receive approval to conduct necessary testing that is the precursor for the legalization of medical marijuana on a broader scale. Given that the process for legalizing marijuana, both at the medical level and at the recreational level, will take a substantial amount of time, Mississippians should not expect our legislature to pass a bill that affirmatively legalizes marijuana for any particular use except the high-CBD, low-THC cannabis extracts that are used to treat debilitating seizure disorders.
The Decriminalization of Marijuana in Mississippi
While Mississippi is one of our country’s more conservative states, the legislature has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana such that possession of less than thirty (30) grams will not result in jail time as a first offense. However, Mississippi law enforcement officials are still fighting drug crimes and taking marijuana possession as seriously as it always has. In fact, many states are cracking down on marijuana possession even more now that Colorado and Washington have legalized marijuana for recreational use, as individuals may be more likely to transport marijuana from those states to other states where marijuana is not legal for either medicinal or recreational use.
The younger generation has a much more liberal view on marijuana than our older generations, and this has certainly influenced many states to change their laws. Mississippi is a state where there certainly could be a time when marijuana becomes legal for medical use beyond the very limited use discussed above. Until the time has come, you and your loved ones need to be very alert of the current marijuana laws and take all steps possible to prevent being charged with marijuana possession in Mississippi.
Contact Turk Law Firm, PLLC Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been charged with marijuana possession in Mississippi, you could be facing jail time and hefty fines based on the amount of marijuana in question. Even though marijuana has become much more acceptable across the United States, Mississippi law still enforces its marijuana laws in the same way. As long as the law remains the same, you or your loved one could face criminal charges that leave you with a blemished criminal record. To ensure you are fighting your or your loved one’s marijuana possession charge to the fullest extent possible, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled Mississippi Marijuana Possession Defense Attorney right away. At Turk Law Firm, PLLC, Lindsey McGee Turk has the dedication and experience to provide you with the best legal representation possible. To schedule your free consultation with Lindsey McGee Turk, contact Turk Law Firm, PLLC today by calling (601) 214-1471.
