The number of states that haven’t yet legalized medical marijuana in the U.S. is slowly declining. Most of these states already have bills in place for legalization, pending approval. One of those is Mississippi. The Magnolia State is expected to legalize medical marijuana with the proposed 2020 ballot. Regarding legal regulation of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, Mississippi State has put into effect the Harper Grace Law in 2014. However, there's more to the story. Let’s take a look at the law on both state and federal level. [1]
Yes, CBD oil is legal in Mississippi. Thankfully, hemp-derived CBD is readily available and is 100% legal in all US states.
In 2018, after the U.S. Farm Bill was signed into law by President Trump, the legal status of hemp-derived CBD was strengthened. However, in some “border” states, such as Mississippi, there are some unregulated areas and “gaps” between federal and state law.
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As stated, in 2014, Mississippi passed the Harper Grace Law, which allowed limited possession and use of CBD oil. Under this bill, CBD oil was allowed only for patients diagnosed with a debilitating epileptic condition.[2]
Furthermore, these patients were eligible to use CBD oil only if the oil was obtained “... from or tested by the National Center for Natural Products research at the University of Mississippi and dispensed by the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.” [2]
The bill first removed CBD from the list of hallucinogenic substances, exempting it from control. In Section 3, the bill defined CBD as a processed cannabis extract, oil or resin that has more than 15% cannabidiol (CBD), but not more than 0.5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). [3]
Also, it appears that if CBD is derived from marijuana that contains less than 0.5% THC, it is legal to use in Mississippi for patients with epilepsy or related conditions
Marijuana contains higher levels of THC and is prohibited for both recreational and medicinal use in this state. Possession, however, is no longer a criminal offense. Jail time for possession of 30 grams of marijuana has been replaced by a $250 fine. [5]
In 2017, Harper's Law was amended with State Bill 2610. The amendments clarify that cannabidiol can now be used in research for treatment of seizures as well as other medical conditions.[2]
As mentioned, though, federally the stage now has a new player on it —100 percent legal commercial hemp.
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What does the federal law now says about commercial hemp? [4]
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Regarding the issue of buying CBD oil, Mississippi citizens with severe forms of epilepsy are allowed to acquire CBD oil derived from cannabis used for cannabidiol research from The National Center for Natural Product Research at the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at Mississippi State University.
Since Mississippi laws are quite strict regarding selling hemp-derived CBD oil, you can always purchase it online.
Here are some tips to make sure you get value for your money:
So, while awaiting the approval of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Amendment, the CBD oil Mississippi citizens will be enjoying is allowed for use under the 2018 Hemp Bill. The initiative will make medical marijuana legal in Mississippi. However, the ballot still has to collect over 100,000 signature from citizens all over the state.
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