Medical Marijuana Initiative Struck Down by Mississippi Supreme Court

Last November, voters in Mississippi overwhelmingly voting in favor of Initiative 65—a bill that approved the sale and use of medical marijuana in the Magnolia State. However, the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down the initiative on May 14^th, granting a petition that asserted the process in which the initiative was put on the ballot was unconstitutional.

Proponents of the bill have been vocal about their outrage. “The Mississippi Supreme Court just overturned the will of the people of Mississippi,” Ken Newburger, Executive Director for the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association said. “Patients will now continue the suffering that so many Mississippians voted to end.”

The decision causes development of Mississippi medical marijuana programs to cease immediately. The Secretary of State’s Office has not commented yet but promise to make a statement once they have reviewed the court’s opinion.

There will be another chance for medical marijuana in January, since a “back-up measure” was passed by the Senate in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision. “We went back and forth because we, the Senate, were trying to provide a program that clearly the people of Mississippi want,” said Republican Senator Brice Wiggins.

Currently, 36 states in the United States allow medicinal marijuana. 17 states have fully legalized marijuana for adults. Despite so many states recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis use, marijuana is still 100% illegal under federal law.

Effects of Marijuana Use

Cannabis is used medicinally to treat a variety of physical and mental health problems, ranging from chronic pain to anxiety. Proponents contend that the drug is less harmful and habit forming than many other medicines, such as prescription opioids.

However, cannabis use is not without its dangers. Research has shown that prolonged marijuana use can cause cancer, lung problems, as well as physical dependence. It is also associated with other mental and behavioral problems. In fact, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that around 8,313,000 Americans over the age of 12 years old suffer from marijuana addiction. People with a severe cannabis addiction are likely to consume the drug every day and spend many of their waking hours under the influence.

Fortunately, addiction is treatable. This may require detoxification and rehabilitation for some people. While marijuana withdrawal symptoms are not as dangerous or painful as withdrawal from certain other substances, cannabis addiction can still be difficult to get under control. After detoxification, therapy can help someone recognize and overcome the triggers that lead them to misuse cannabis.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please reach out to an admissions navigator at . They can answer questions about treatment options at Oxford Treatment Center and help you with your insurance coverage.