County Wide Lauderdale County - Medical Marijuana

On February 2, 2022, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, SB 2095, became effective. That Act contained a "Local Option" which allowed Counties and Cities to "opt out" of the cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products. The City of Meridian did not opt out. However, on May 2, 2022, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors exercised the Local Option and completely opted out of the cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products. Thus, currently, the cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products is illegal in the unincorporated areas of Lauderdale County, although it is legal within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Meridian. On september 9, 2022, under Section 30(3) of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, Senate Bill 2095, Lauderdale County was presented with a proper petition requesting cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products be legal in unincorporated areas of Lauderdale County. The Circuit Clerk has verified the Petition was submitted by at least 1500 of the qualified electors of the County and the qualified electors of Lauderdale County are to vote on the same. QUESTION SUBMITTED: Whether or not the cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products, as applicable, shall be legal in the unincorporated areas of Lauderdale County.