MS HB18

Authorizes Alcorn State University to establish a cooperative farming program allowing Mississippi local farmers to cultivate marijuana exclusively for distribution to out-of-state medical marijuana vendors, with protections from state prosecution for farmers complying with memoranda of understanding.

Creates the Medical Marijuana Local Farmers Special Fund in the State Treasury to receive fees and penalties from the program (less 3% administrative costs), with annual appropriations directed to state institutions of higher learning for scholarships in high-need professions including teaching, nursing, and social work.

Permits local jurisdictions to enact ordinances restricting or prohibiting medical marijuana farms within their boundaries and establishes Alcorn State University's authority to develop detailed rules covering cultivation limits, seed-to-sale tracking, security, accountability measures, and oversight inspections.

Establishes environmental protections requiring Mississippi Valley State University's Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health to coordinate a multiagency task force addressing marijuana cultivation impacts, including water diversions, habitat protection, and waste management, with regional oversight boards authorized to adopt permits and discharge requirements.

Amends controlled substance statutes (Sections 41-29-125, 41-29-127, 41-29-136, 41-29-137, 41-29-139, 41-29-141, and 41-29-143) to exempt authorized local farmers' marijuana cultivation, sale, and distribution activities from prosecution under existing drug laws; effective July 1, 2021.