Welcome to the 3MA May 2024 Leaflet!

DEA Announces Rescheduling of Cannabis to Schedule III

In a historic move, the US Drug Enforcement Agency has announced that they will be rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic to Schedule III. Although all of the implications of this change remain unclear, the acknowledgment made by the federal government of the medical benefits of cannabis is a historic move and could bring positive changes to state-run cannabis programs. By moving to a Schedule III drug, cannabis businesses will no longer be burdened by federal tax laws (280E). This move also holds positive implications for research on the medical benefits of cannabis by removing federal barriers. 3MA will continue to monitor this change and update our members with developments.

Legislative Update

The Mississippi Legislature is set to wrap up the 2024 session at the end of this week (5/3/24). Throughout the legislative session, 3MA has been on the ground in the capital lobbying for improvements to the medical cannabis program.

Senate Bill 2857 was passed by both chambers of the MS Legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s approval. This piece of legislation would allow for the Department of Health to conduct background checks on licensees and work permit holders within the MMCP. Additionally, the bill also removed the 7-day weekly allotments on patients, allowing patients to purchase their entire month’s allotment within one visit to a dispensary. This change should benefit patients and help align medical cannabis with other pharmaceuticals that are dispensed in 30-day supplies.

House Bill 1676, otherwise known as the “Intoxicating Hemp Regulation Act” is still being debated on the floor of the Senate. If passed, this act would create regulations surrounding the distribution and sale of hemp-derived products that contain high levels of THC. Through House Bill 1676, dispensaries would be exclusively allowed to sell these hemp-derived products to consumers within Mississippi. This change along with the testing requirements imposed through this act will ensure adults in Mississippi will have safe access to hemp-derived products, without compromising the safety of the public through unregulated sales.

3MA Second Annual Sippi Cup Event - FINAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Off-site competition winners have now been announced. Congratulations to Kelly’s Green, Stash House, and Noble Labs for their first-place victories! We want to congratulate all of our winners in this year’s Sippi Cup competition, and are looking forward to next year!

A Call for Support

As a newsletter subscriber, you understand the efforts 3MA has undertaken since the inception of the Medical Cannabis Program in Mississippi. As you know, changing the law doesn’t happen on its own, which is why we need the support of our members in order to accomplish the transformative changes we have been working towards.

If you are a licensed cannabis operator in the state of MS and you are not currently a 3MA member, please consider supporting the association with your membership. With your support, 3MA can help ensure that real, positive changes are made to the medical cannabis program, which will benefit our operators and our patients.

Please visit our website at medicalmarijuanams.com to learn more about membership.

New and Renewing Members

Blessed Southern Flowers - New for 2024

Blessed Southern Flowers is the first dispensary established in Saucier, MS. Opening in late May,  BSF is a female-owned business with a primary focus on natural wellness and relief.  The owner is a retired home health care veteran with decades of experience in caring for the elderly population and the underserved population with developmental disabilities.  BSF is 100% managed and operated by locals who appreciate and understand clients' privacy, financial, and product knowledge needs.  When clients arrive at our location, they feel a sense of peace and serenity with welcoming greetings from our staff.  Our mantra is "We're not business, we’re people".

Canna+U Dispensary - New for 2024

We’re on a mission to restore weed to its place in the plant kingdom.

The humble marijuana plant has been misunderstood for decades, yet the story of its healing qualities, medical properties, and many therapeutic uses are as old as Ancient Egypt. Maybe older. At CANNA+U medical marijuana dispensary, it’s a story we’re both excited and qualified to tell while we provide our patients with world-class remedies crafted from nature.

Thanks to all 3MA members! Your support of the association strengthens the unified voice of a free and fair market for the medical marijuana industry in Mississippi.