The Mississippi Medicinal Cannabis Program is now accepting applications from physicians and cultivators to begin the licensing process. The online portal to register went live on the first of the month, and health officials report more than 1800 people have created accounts and at least 15 applications have already been submitted. Senior Deputy Jim Craig says the Department of Health will provide oversight to ensure Mississippians get safe cannabis.
“We also have a set of regulations for advertising and marketing,” says Craig. “It stipulates that there can be no marketing and advertising from a website and a logo to brand the business. Absolutely nothing else is allowed.”
Although some businesses may begin production of cannabis within the coming months, experts say most product will not be ready to sell in dispensaries until the end of the year. Kris Jones, Director of the MMCP, says this time is needed to get licenses, hire employees, and grow crops. While not all medical practitioners will be able to write a license for medical marijuana, she says patients should consult their usual doctor.
“Because it’s really important to remember that there is a relationship between the patient and practitioner so that there is ongoing treatment that is available, ongoing followup that is available throughout this course,” says Jones.
The Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance will host a list on their website detailing many of the physicians who are licensed under the MMCP. Final details for the state’s seed-to-sale system are still pending.
