By a 74% majority, Initiative 65 wins. The measure calls for a comprehensive program that treats 22 debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Jamie Grantham, with Medical Marijuana 2020, says legalizing medical marijuana is going to make a difference in the quality of life for many Mississippians.
“The patients here who need that will now be able to have that,” said Grantham.
“I know families whose loved ones have had to move to other states and they want to move home. And they’re going to be able to move home because Mississippi has this program.”
Opponents of 65 say medical marijuana shouldn’t be part of the state’s constitution and believe the program will lead to recreational use.
Jim Perry, a member of the state board of health, says he believes it all boiled down to money. He says the multi-billion dollar campaign for 65 outspent the campaign for 65A by $25 dollars to 1.
“That type of money differential, unfortunately, does have an impact in politics,” said Perry.
“Only one side ran campaign ads and they sent out a whole bunch of mail pieces and digital advertising and it makes a difference.”
Initiative 65 requires the Mississippi Dept. of Health to administer the program. Perry says they’ll do the best they can to make it work. The state can expect to have a program in place by next summer.
