HB 1411 Summary

• Establishes the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Act of 2020 to provide safe access to medical marijuana for qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, autism, and others.

• Qualified patients obtain a physician certification from a licensed physician, then receive a medical marijuana identification card from the State Department of Health, entitling them to purchase up to 2.5 ounces per 14-day period from licensed treatment centers.

• Prohibits smoking medical marijuana in public places (misdemeanor with $100 maximum fine) and clarifies the law does not apply to recreational marijuana, vehicle operation, or employment accommodations.

• Requires the State Department of Health to adopt final rules and regulations by July 1, 2021, and begin issuing identification cards and treatment center licenses by August 15, 2021; fees for cards (up to $50) and licensing fund a special account for program administration.

• Amends controlled substances laws to exclude lawful medical marijuana activities from criminal penalties; prohibits treatment centers within 500 feet of schools, churches, or child care facilities; and requires municipal zoning for dispensaries to be no more restrictive than for pharmacies.