House Bill 209 Summary

• Authorizes Alcorn State University to establish a cooperative farming program allowing local farmers to cultivate marijuana exclusively for distribution to licensed out-of-state medical marijuana vendors, with farmers protected from state prosecution if operating under a memorandum of understanding with the university.

• Creates the Medical Marijuana Local Farmers Special Fund in the state treasury to receive 97% of fees collected by Alcorn State University from the program, with appropriations directed to institutions of higher learning for scholarships in professions with documented shortages including teachers, nurses, and social workers.

• Establishes environmental oversight requirements including a watershed enforcement program and multiagency task force led by Mississippi Valley State University to address water diversion, water quality, riparian habitat protection, and other environmental impacts of marijuana cultivation.

• Allows local jurisdictions to enact ordinances restricting or prohibiting medical marijuana farms within their boundaries.

• Requires Alcorn State University to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing farmer participation, revenue generated, and enforcement actions taken against participating farmers.