Mississippi House Bill HB1309

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Medical marijuana; allow limited growing for personal use.

Impact

The bill emphasizes personal cultivation rights while ensuring that such activities remain regulated. Patients who qualify under the bill’s stipulations must pay an annual permit fee of $50 and submit yearly reports on their THC levels to the licensing agency. This requirement underscores the focus on safety and accountability in the cultivation of medical marijuana, potentially paving the way for broader acceptance and integration of medical marijuana within existing healthcare frameworks. Additionally, the bill requires that any marijuana cultivated remains on the individual's property and prohibits transfer or sale—aiming to curb illegal distribution.

Summary

House Bill 1309 proposes the authorization of certain individuals to grow a limited amount of medical marijuana for personal use, conditional on the legalization of medical marijuana in Mississippi. The bill specifies that individuals diagnosed with cancer or Parkinson's disease, as well as veterans with PTSD, may cultivate up to six marijuana plants on their own property. This initiative aims to enhance patient autonomy and provide a means for certain medical conditions, ultimately supporting individual health and recovery measures.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding HB 1309 may arise around issues of accessibility, regulation, and qualifying conditions. While supporters may argue for the benefits of personal cultivation for patients, critics could raise concerns about the feasibility of enforcing THC level reporting and the implications of allowing personal growing despite the overarching medical standards. Furthermore, the bill's restrictions may warrant debate about adequacy in addressing the needs of various patients, particularly within communities where access to medical marijuana may be uneven.