Frequently asked questions about the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program
Is a 6 month follow up required in the first year of the program?
Yes, Mississippi Code 1972 (2024), Title 41 - PUBLIC HEALTH (§§ 41-1-1 — 41-149-11), Chapter 137 - MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT (§§ 41-137-1 — 41-137-67), Section 41-137-5 - Authorization to use medical cannabis; requirements, Universal Citation: MS Code § 41-137-5 (2024). (5) After a qualifying patient receives a written certification from a practitioner, the patient shall be required to make a follow-up visit with the practitioner not less than six (6) months after the date of issuance of the certification for the practitioner to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of the patient's medical use of medical cannabis to treat or alleviate the patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the patient's debilitating medical condition.
Can I take my medical cannabis across state lines?
Legally no
Does any other state reciprocate with my medical cannabis card?
States offering full reciprocity: Nevada, Rhode Island, and New Mexico. These states generally recognize medical marijuana cards from other states without requiring additional registration or temporary licenses.
States with limited reciprocity or temporary programs: Several states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Utah, and Washington D.C., have provisions for out-of-state patients. These provisions can vary, ranging from temporary registration requirements to recognition based on qualifying conditions or the discretion of dispensaries. It's important to check the specific requirements for each state.
How do I get a temporary card in MS if I have a medical card in another state?
If you hold a valid medical marijuana card from another state, you can still access Mississippi's medical marijuana program.
First, ensure you have a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card. You will also need to provide proof of your out-of-state residency, such as a driver’s license or state ID. This documentation confirms your eligibility to apply as a visiting patient.
Next, you must visit the Patients & Caregivers - Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program website and download the visiting patient form and fill it out accurately. This form will ask for your medical history, qualifying condition, and details of your out-of-state card.
Once your application is complete, submit it along with the required documentation to the Mississippi State Department of Health. There is usually an application fee associated with the process, so be prepared to cover this cost.
After submission, the Department of Health will review your application. If approved, you will receive a temporary medical cannabis card allowing you to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries in Mississippi.Initial Validity: A guest patient registration is effective for no more than 60 calendar days from the date of issue by the Mississippi Department of Health (or the expiration date of the patient's home state medical marijuana program registration, whichever is shorter).
Potential Renewal: Guest patient registrations can be renewed for one additional 30-day period within a calendar year.
How do I get a caregiver card?
1. Eligibility Requirements:
Age: Be at least 21 years old.
Residency: Be a resident of Mississippi.
Criminal Record: Not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense within the past 5 years.
Professional Licenses: If you hold any professional licenses, they must be in good standing.
No Prior Revocations: You cannot have had a previous medical marijuana caregiver license or identification card revoked in Mississippi or another state.
2. Designation by a Qualified Patient:
A patient who is already approved to participate in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program must designate you as their caregiver.
3. Application Process:
Register on the MMCP Portal: You must register through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program Portal.
Submit Application: Complete and submit the caregiver application form within the portal.
Provide Required Documentation: This typically includes:
Proof of Mississippi residency (e.g., driver's license or state ID).
A digital photograph.
Fingerprints for a background check (unless you are a close relative of the patient).
A completed and notarized caregiver affidavit.
Designation of Caregiver Form.
Pay Application and Background Check Fees: There is a non-refundable application fee and a separate fee for the background check.
4. Approval and Card Issuance:
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reviews your application and background check results.
If approved, you will receive your medical marijuana caregiver card.
Important Notes:
Caregiver Limits: Caregivers in Mississippi are typically limited to assisting a maximum of five patients.
No Cultivation: Caregivers are not allowed to grow or cultivate marijuana for their patients.
Responsibilities: Caregivers can purchase, possess, prepare, and administer medical marijuana for their patients, but they cannot consume it themselves.
For the most up-to-date information and the specific forms required, it's best to visit the official website of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program or contact them directly.
How much medical marijuana can I get in a 30 day period?
Do my unused medical marijuana units (MMCEUs) rollover ?
No, unused medical marijuana units (MMCEUs) in Mississippi do not roll over to the next 30-day period.
Here's how the 30-day purchase limit works:
Rolling Limit: Mississippi uses a rolling 30-day limit, not a calendar month system.
Time-Sensitive: The 30-day period begins at the exact time of each purchase.
Units Expire: Purchased MMCEUs become available again 30 days from the exact time they were originally bought.
Example:
If you buy 10 MMCEUs on January 1st at 10:00 AM, those 10 units will become available to purchase again on January 31st at 10:00 AM.
Important Notes:
You cannot exceed the maximum of 24 MMCEUs in a rolling 30-day period.
What are the requirements to get my MS medical marijuna card if I am between the ages of 18-26?
1. Residency: You must be a permanent resident of Mississippi.
2. Age:
You must be at least 18 years old.
Patients between 18 and 25 years old specifically require written certifications from two different practitioners from separate medical practices, one of whom must be a physician or doctor of osteopathic medicine.
After your initial certification you only have to certify with one provider at your 6 month follow up and annual visits.