Mississippi’s fertile soil makes it an ideal location for agricultural success. It’s no wonder that hemp has also cropped up throughout the state, thanks to the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act.
This law legalized hemp products, including CBD oil, for purchase, use and sale across the Magnolia State. Mississippi residents can also cultivate hemp through licensure with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Domestic Hemp Production Program.
CBD Laws in Mississippi: What You Need to Know
Is CBD legal in Mississippi 2023? Let’s find out.
In the summer of 2020, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves approved Senate Bill 2725, also known as the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act. Upon its introduction, it required residents who wished to cultivate hemp — which contains 0.3% or less THC content — to obtain a license through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
However, a lack of funds deferred this process to the federal Domestic Hemp Production Program instead. Applicants must apply through the Hemp eManagement Platform (HeMP), where they can submit their application and FBI criminal history report. Those who have committed a drug-related crime in the last 10 years are not eligible for a license.
Applicants must also meet testing and sampling requirements and obtain their own testing and sampling agents.
Once given, these licenses are viable for three years, or until the Mississippi government establishes its own program and license requirements.
Mississippi CBD laws are quite underdeveloped, and the state has not yet established product label requirements for hemp-based CBD products. However, suppliers can adopt labeling practices of other state governments, such as processor/grower information, cannabinoid profile, ingredients list, batch code, expiration and production dates, serving size and FDA safety warnings.
Additionally, the state has not developed possession or age limitations when purchasing hemp-derived CBD. Ultimately, it’s up to the discretion of the retailer. Some may only sell CBD products to those 18 and older, while others may limit sales to residents who are 21 and older.
Medical marijuana is also legal in Mississippi, which includes marijuana-based CBD. To qualify, patients must have a qualifying medical condition and approval from two healthcare providers, if they’re between the ages of 18 and 23. Recreational marijuana, however, is still illegal under federal and Mississippi state law.
Is CBD Legal in Mississippi?
In 2018, the federal government introduced a bill that removed hemp — any cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC — from the list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing the production, distribution, sale and possession of hemp-based products like CBD oil.
Although this legislation applies to all 50 states, in 2020, Mississippi introduced its own hemp legislation, as previously mentioned. While the program still lacks adequate funding and state-specific regulations, residents can still capitalize on hemp cultivation through the federal hemp program.
Then, in 2022, the governor signed SB 2095 into law. This bill legalized medical marijuana for qualifying patients. Before 2022, medicinal cannabis was allowed. However, it required patients to use only a low-THC content, similar to hemp, under HB 1213 (Harper Grace’s Law) of 2014. Accordingly, patients could use CBD oil and resin that contained at least 15% CBD.
With the new legislation in effect, qualifying patients can now obtain medical cards and medical marijuana through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
Can I Buy CBD in Mississippi?
Mississippi residents with a medical marijuana identification card can purchase medical-grade marijuana-based CBD from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.
Hemp-based CBD products, on the other hand, are available in vape shops, wellness stores, grocery stores and various other types of retail outlets. Recreational marijuana-based CBD is illegal under state and federal law and not available for legal purchase.
Can I Buy CBD Online?
You can find a plethora of hemp CBD products online. They come in a variety of products, including CBD oils, CBD capsules, CBD edibles and CBD topicals. When shopping online, however, always use your discretion. Untrustworthy retailers may be selling CBD products with harmful ingredients or illegal THC content.
Fortunately, you don’t have to guess when shopping for CBD online. Reputable brands, like Zebra CBD, will be transparent with the ingredients and cannabinoid potency of their products. When shopping online, look for the product’s Certificate of Analysis. This document identifies that the product underwent testing by an independent third-party lab. The lab then provides buyers with a comprehensive analysis of the product, which includes the ingredients list, cannabinoid profile and list of potential contaminants.
Always be aware that under FDA guidelines, a CBD product cannot claim that it treats, cures or prevents any medical condition. If you do come across a brand that makes such claims, it’s safe to assume that they’re not a trustworthy or educated company.
Can I Buy CBD at a Dispensary?
Yes, you can buy hemp-based and medical marijuana-based CBD at dispensaries within Mississippi. However, medical marijuana CBD is only available to those who have been approved for the Mississippi medical marijuana program.
Legal Status of CBD in Mississippi
CBD from hemp and medical marijuana is legal in the state of Mississippi, although recreational marijuana, in any form, is still illegal. However, cannabis legality in Mississippi is subject to change.
When purchasing CBD in Mississippi, it’s important to note that there are no possession or age limits.
Legal Disclaimer
The information contained above is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. The provided information may not reflect current legal developments or information, and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or current. We recommend checking our source(s) to see if the information or legal status have been revised since our content was published.
FAQ
1. Is CBD legal in Mississippi?
Yes, hemp-based CBD products and medical marijuana-based CBD products are legal in Mississippi.
2. How old do you have to be to buy CBD in Mississippi?
There are no age restrictions when buying CBD in Mississippi. This is up to the discretion of the retailer.
3. Can I sell CBD products in Mississippi?
Yes, retailers can sell products in Mississippi under state guidelines, as well as cultivate and process hemp plants within the state.
Source:
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Hemp Cultivation in Mississippi. https://www.mdac.ms.gov/hemp-cultivation-in-ms/
Mississippi Cannabis Information. Is CBD Oil Legal In Mississippi? https://mississippistatecannabis.org/cbd
