MS Department of Health Proposed Rules and Regulations

Written By Emily Moore

The MS Department of Health is continuing to do a fantastic job implementing the medical marijuana program. They called a special board meeting last Friday to discuss their progress. Below are our notes and observations from that call. The full video can be found below.

Rules and Regulations Timeline

The below are highlights from what the MS Department of Health has identified as their target timeline for implementing the program. The full timeline can be found in the video around the 3 minute mark. Please note that with the exception of the July 1st deadline, these are only goals and may be changed.

  • April 19 - File draft rules with Secretary of State

  • April 20 – May 15 - First public comment period

  • May 11 - Oral Proceeding

  • June 1 - Refile changes for second public comment period

  • June 2 – June 27 - Second public comment period

  • June 30 - Filing of final rules

  • July 1 - Program goes into effect

Proposed Rules and Regulations for Testing & Transportation

Overall, the proposed rules and regulations for testing facilities and transportation companies look really good.

The proposed regulations for testing labs include:

  • Definitions of labs, requirements, procedures, etc.

  • Application information

  • All labs must be physically located in MS and certified with MSDH

  • Labs must register with the Secretary of State

  • Restrictions on criminal history (fingerprints required)

  • Cannot be associated with producers or treatment centers

  • Includes compliance and quality assurance information

The proposed regulations for transportation companies include:

  • Manifest and documentation requirements

  • Procedures, product loss, and insurance requirements

Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing:

The Board of Health had a discussion on the differences between indoor, outdoor, and hybrid (greenhouse) cultivation. They did not take a particular stance on which of these cultivation methods they will allow, and will continue to research the pros and cons of each method. It is 3MA’s official position that all forms of growing should be allowed, including outdoor growing.

Emily Moore
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