Overview

Mississippi's medical cannabis journey was hard-fought. Voters approved Initiative 65 in November 2020, but the state Supreme Court struck it down on a technicality in May 2021. The legislature responded by passing Senate Bill 2095 (the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act) in February 2022, and the first legal sales began January 25, 2023.

As of January 2026, Mississippi has one of the faster-growing medical cannabis programs in the South, with over 56,000 active patient cardholders—gaining approximately 50 new patients per day. Nearly 200 dispensaries operate across the state, concentrated in metro areas like Jackson, the Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport), Hattiesburg, Oxford, and Tupelo.

Mississippi uses a unique measurement system called Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs). One MMCEU equals 3.5 grams of flower. Patients can purchase up to 6 MMCEUs per week (21 grams) and 24 MMCEUs per month (84 grams). As of July 2025, MMCEU calculations for concentrates changed to be based on THC content rather than product weight.

The program recognizes 28 qualifying medical conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, and epilepsy. Getting a card requires an in-person visit with a certified practitioner (telemedicine allowed for follow-ups), followed by a $25 state application fee. Cards are valid for one year.

Mississippi does NOT allow home cultivation. All cannabis must be grown by licensed cultivators and sold through licensed dispensaries. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, though possession of 30 grams or less is decriminalized to a $250 fine for first offenses.

The state imposes a 5% excise tax on cultivators and standard 7% sales tax at dispensaries.

Legal Snapshot

Buying Across State Lines

Mississippi borders Tennessee (limited medical), Alabama (limited medical), Louisiana (medical), and Arkansas (medical).

Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime, even between states with medical programs. Do NOT bring Mississippi medical cannabis to other states or bring out-of-state cannabis into Mississippi.

Non-resident access: Mississippi offers cards to out-of-state patients who have valid medical cannabis cards in their home states. Apply at least 30 days before arriving. Non-resident cards are valid for two 15-day periods per year, with a 12 MMCEU limit per 15-day period.

Decriminalization note: First-offense possession of 30 grams or less without a card is decriminalized to a $250 fine and civil summons (not arrest). However, possession of paraphernalia remains a criminal offense. Second offenses carry jail time. Don't rely on decriminalization—get a medical card if you need cannabis.

What People Actually Pay

Mississippi cannabis pricing (January 2026):

Flower: $30-50 per eighth (3.5g = 1 MMCEU), $60-90 per quarter, $100-160 per half ounce
Vapes: $40-70 for cartridges
Pre-Rolls: $8-15 singles, $25-45 multi-packs
Edibles: $20-40 per package
Concentrates: $40-70 per gram
Tinctures: $40-60

Taxes: 5% cultivator excise tax + 7% state sales tax at retail

Medical card costs:
- Doctor certification: $150-250
- State card fee: $25 ($15 for Medicaid recipients)
- Veterans and disabled first responders: Fee waiver available
- Annual renewal: $25

Savings tips: Check dispensary deals pages, loyalty programs, first-time patient discounts, daily specials