Just a week after the Mississippi Senate approved SB 2095, the medical cannabis legalization bill, the House did the same. With a total vote of 104-14 approval, an amended medical cannabis bill now returns to the Senate for final approval. If the Senate approves the amendments, then SB 2095 will move to Governor Tate Reeves, R, for his approval. 

Previously, Governor Reeves has threatened to veto a medical cannabis bill because the daily purchase level had been too high. But earlier this week, the governor said that things are getting “better” regarding the medical cannabis bill. 

“I heard Senator Blackwell say the other day on the floor that this is the 46th version,” Governor Reeves said on a local morning radio show. “And the good news is, as each version is written, the bill gets better.”

Approved Amendments

Several amendments were proposed but only a few were approved. The first approved amendment lowered the max monthly purchase limit from 3.5 ounces down to three ounces. This is something that Governor Reeves has been asking for, and what he argued with lawmakers about at the end of last year. The purchase limit is another reason he didn’t call for a special session like lawmakers, activists, and citizens demanded. 

The next amendment approved would remove the Department of Agriculture and Commerce from overseeing the medical cannabis industry. Instead, the Department of Health would oversee the industry. This comes as a win for the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Andy Gipson, R. He has adamantly opposed his department running any sort of cannabis program while the plant remains a federally Scheduled I drug. 

A third amendment would expand locations medical cannabis cultivators and processors can open. Under SB 2095, cultivators and processors can open in agricultural and industrial zones. The amendment adds commercial zones as other areas these important steps in the cannabis process can open.

Potential Veto

With these added amendments, there could be less of a chance for Governor Reeves to veto the bill. However, if Governor Reeves does end up vetoing SB 2095, both chambers will have a chance to turn over the veto. Both the House and the Senate must have a ⅔ majority vote approval to overturn a governor’s veto and make it a bill. And lawmakers believe they have enough votes to do so. 

SB 2095 is moving fast through the legislature as lawmakers have made medical cannabis a priority for the state. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.