The State of Mississippi has very strict policies regarding the use of CBD. Also, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is not allowed, and even though possession of a small amount of weed will only be fined with a monetary fine, this state does not allow the recreational use of marijuana. This was researched on 7/13/2019 for educational purposes.
CBD oil In MS: The Magnolia State
The Mississippi lawmakers have allowed the production of CBD extracts in 2014. This privilege was appointed to three research facilities, and today only two state universities are allowed to provide CBD extracts with strictly prescribed CBD and THC content. The other forms of cannabis are not allowed. This state still does not have an industrial hemp cultivation program installed.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of 113 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. The most famous cannabinoid is, of course, THC; this cannabinoid is most abundant in the marijuana plants. CBD, on the other hand, is produced by the hemp plant. Just to be clear, both of these are varieties of cannabis.
The CBD has a variety of useful benefits to human health. It binds with the CB receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the human body, stimulating the body’s natural ability to fight pain, helping with improving the mood, fight inflammation, and a lot more.
Most cannabis varieties have higher THC content, but there are cannabis plants that produce more CBD instead of THC. These are especially prized by medical cannabis users. Here I present two cannabis strains that have higher CBD content.
- CBD Kush is producing anywhere from 1-8% THC, as opposed to the 11% CBD. This trait makes CBD Kush a very good strain for people looking for the relaxing, medicating effects of cannabis. The CBD Kush buds are large, and almost always spherical. They smell of overripe fruits, with a woodsy undertone. Once lit, they produce acrid smoke which is somewhat harsh, smelling of heavy spices, but the effects it brings are worth the trouble. The initial effects are subtle, slowly creeping in, and the body feels relaxed, while the mind can get into a creative state. The medical side is much stronger, with pain relief, reducing inflammation, helping with headaches and nausea. It is also very helpful for people with ADHD, PTSD, and depression.
- Shiskaquine is a hybrid strain between the CBD-rich Harlequin and the Shiskaberry strains. This strain has a high CBD vs. THC ratio that goes up to 20:1 in favor of CBD. The smoke smells of berries and earthiness and leaves a sweet aftertaste. The high CBD content acts on the body in interesting ways, relaxing it, uplifting, and focusing the mind. The medical side is more prized, with the strong pain-relieving properties, as well as stress and headache relief, helping with inflammation and even fighting insomnia.
CBD oil law in Mississippi
The first time this southern state allowed anything hemp-related to become legal was in 2014, with the signing of the Harper Grace’s Act. This act allowed the production of CBD-rich extracts by three state universities. Interestingly, the use of these CBD extracts was not allowed.
The Federal government has its only cannabis facility right at the University of Mississippi, which is one of the two accredited state universities that can provide CBD-rich extracts. But the US federal government has also legalized the use of CBD oil on a federal level, making CBD oil and other CBD products legal across the nation. The only stipulations are that these products need to be derived from industrial hemp and have a maximum of 0.3% THC in them.
Medical Marijuana
The Hospitality State does not allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Instead, only people diagnosed with intractable epilepsy can use CBD-rich oil with at least 15% CBD and a maximum of 0.5% THC. Additionally, these extracts can only be obtained from the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research and the Mississippi State University’s Department of Pharmacy Services.
No Weed For Mississippi Folks
The recreational use of marijuana in the state of Mississippi is not allowed. However, the state has decriminalized possession of small amounts of weed, and anyone caught with up to 30 grams of weed for the first time will only get a $250 fine.
Any consecutive infraction can land you in prison anywhere from five days up to six months. The sales of weed are strictly forbidden, with strong penalties and anyone caught growing weed will face even stricter punishments.
CBD Oil Buying Options
The State of Mississippi is not very welcoming towards retail stores carrying CBD products. Despite this fact, the other fact that CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal on a federal level allows the sale of such products. There are retail stores across the state carrying CBD products, and these can be found in more populated areas.
The safest option for purchasing high-quality CBD products is still an online purchase. This way you can select the brand you like, check their credentials, and take your pick for the best suited CBD product for your needs.
Final Thoughts
The State of Mississippi has a strict law against the growing of industrial hemp on their territory, even though the federal cannabis research facility is right in the heart of Mississippi, in the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research, and has been here for fifty years.
The 2014 House Bill 1231 allows the production of CBD-rich hemp extracts. The same year, the state has allowed patients with chronic epilepsy to consume CBD-rich products with at least 15% CBD and up to 0.5% THC, obtained from state universities. That sums up the extent of medical marijuana use in the Hospitality State, and any other type of use of marijuana is strictly forbidden.
As for the people that would like to use CBD products in Mississippi, they can buy them in the few retail stores that carry them or order online, as, under the Federal Farm Bill of 2018, CBD oil and other CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal across the entire USA.
