Mississippi Supreme Court Kills Voter-Backed Medical Marijuana Initiative
Mississippi will remain in the minority of states without a medical marijuana program after the state Supreme Court on Friday overturned an initiative that voters approved last fall – a decision that also limits other citizen-led efforts to put issues on the statewide ballot.
At the heart of the ruling is the fact that initiatives need signatures from five congressional districts to get on the ballot, but because of Mississippi’s stagnant population, the state only has four districts.
Six justices ruled that the medical marijuana initiative is void because the state’s initiative process is outdated. Three justices dissented.
GOP leaders look to curtail ballot initiatives after red state voters opt for legal weed, expanded Medicaid Christopher Wilson
Republican officials in Mississippi and Missouri have overturned ballot initiatives passed by voters in last year’s elections, a move Democrats are comparing to the refusal of some GOP leaders to accept the legitimacy of the presidential results.
In November, nearly 60 percent of Mississippi voters said yes to Ballot Initiative 65, opting to establish a medical marijuana program through an amendment to the state constitution. In a country where the number of states legalizing weed for even recreational use continues to grow, the proposal would allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces of the drug for patients with a qualifying condition, including cancer, Parkinson s disease and posttraumatic stress disorder.
By WJTV
May 14, 2021 | 10:39 PM
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Nearly 75-percent of eligible Mississippi voters who cast a ballot in 2020 supported initiative 65. On Friday, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned the initiative.
12 News spoke to Mississippians to get there reaction to the decision.
Those who followed this through from meetings with the secretary of state’s office to cast their ballot on the matter feel shocked their voice did not carry the weight it is worth. Others are confused as to why this had to happen.
Through initiative 65, organizations like the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association hoped to put an end to those suffering from certain medical conditions.