Let’s talk about a common question…”Is CBD Legal in Mississippi?” The answer is a resounding YES!
CBD is legal in Mississippi so long as it conforms to all requisite state and federal standards. As a side note, medical marijuana use became legal in 2020 with the passing of ​Initiative Measure #65. The administration of this program is handled by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). MSDH is currently working to establish production, regulation and licensing structures in time for the target date of August 15, 2021. Initiative 65 requires that regulations for all aspects of the program must be in place by July 1, 2021.
Now we are going to learn more about Mississippi CBD laws, licensing requirements in the state and where to buy CBD in Mississippi.
What is CBD?
Related: What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non psychoactive compound derived from cannabis. CBD shares the outer space of the cannabis plant with THC. Studies continue to show CBD may have a plethora of beneficial properties, with the most popular of these being: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, pain relief, anti-seizure, and anxiety relief properties. In these medical field studies, CBD has proved its worth in a growing amount of trials.
CBD is a Cannabis Derivative
Cannabidiol is a cannabis derivative. That doesn’t mean that it is the same as marijuana, though. It simply comes from a cannabis plant. This is an important distinction to keep in mind when answering the question, “Is CBD Legal in Mississippi?” CBD is a non-psychoactive cousin of THC, which means CBD cannot, and will not, get you high. As long as your CBD is hemp-based, or comes from the hemp plant, it will not contain an amount of THC over 0.3%. Federal regulations on CBD currently require all CBD products to come from hemp in order to remain federally legal. A THC amount of 0.3% isn’t enough to get anyone high. In fact, this amount is so low that you could drink an entire container of CBD oil (not recommended), and still not get high.
Supplementing with CBD is a great way to treat patients in a more natural way than other medications that have harsh side-effects. CBD research exploded over the last few years, and significant investments are continuing to be made in research and development. The FDA is still figuring out their approval process for CBD, so until this is complete, CBD will not be able to achieve the status of a dietary supplement.
Why is CBD Illegal in Some Places?
This is a tricky subject. Let’s begin by addressing the fact that while CBD is federally legal, each state has its own laws. While most states have followed the Farm Bill of 2018 footsteps, a handful of states still have strange laws revolving around CBD. Thankfully, CBD is legal in Mississippi. Mississippi doesn’t have pedantic regulations concerning CBD use. Some of the more conservative states identify CBD with marijuana, even though it is completely non-psychoactive. For this reason, they have a set of strict laws. As time goes on though, states continue to soften CBD laws.
How Did the Farm Bill Help Hemp?
The 2018 Farm Bill brought a revolution for hemp and hemp derived products. The cultivation of hemp became federally legal for recreational purposes when this was passed. This bill specifically removed hemp, which is now legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by weight, from the schedule I list of controlled substances. As of the writing of this article, cannabis as a whole is now set to be voted on for removal from this same list. CBD is now legal in Mississippi because it basically followed suit and passed Senate Bill 2725, legalizing and regulating hemp cultivation.
The United States FDA and CBD
The Food and Drug Administration has the authority of regulating CBD product labeling, monitoring therapeutic claims for CBD, and the usage of CBD for recreational and dietary purposes. The FDA does not allow the advertisement of hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement, or as an additive to food and beverages. The FDA must authorize any health claims that CBD products make. No medications to date have received this designation, except for the pharmaceutical drug Epidiolex.
While the Food and Drug Administration has maintained this stance for years, it has softened these regulations and is considering appropriate legislation around labeling CBD as a dietary supplement. In addition, the Farm Bill has given the authority to states to allow or disallow the cultivation and business of CBD.
Let’s move on to CBD and its legal status in Mississippi.
Is CBD Legal in Mississippi?
Mississippi has taken the first steps towards the legalization of both cannabis and hemp. While hemp-derived CBD is completely legal in Mississippi, medical marijuana remains regulated and specifically for those who have a medical marijuana card. One may read more about Mississippi Medical Marijuana here if interested.
Mississippi lawmakers are working to submit new regulations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that remove marijuana as a controlled substance. The state will continue taking steps to implement the current regulations and licensing requirements for the growers and processors within Mississippi.
Licensing Requirements for CBD in Mississippi
Finished CBD products do not require a license for use in Mississippi. A medical card is mandatory for legal use of marijuana. Possession of marijuana is illegal without this card.
Senate Bill 2725, also known as the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act, was signed into law on June 29, 2020. This act legalized the cultivation of hemp under a state plan to be created and implemented by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. Although the act allowed for a state hemp cultivation program, the necessary funding to implement the program was not appropriated by the Mississippi Legislature.
The only legal option for a producer to cultivate hemp in Mississippi is to obtain a hemp license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program. The application may be viewed here: USDA Hemp Application (PDF). When applying, the applicant must provide a copy of an FBI criminal history report. Instructions on how to obtain the report from the FBI may be viewed here: FBI Criminal History Report. No applications for convicted felons, related to a controlled substance in the last 10 years, will be issued. Once issued, USDA hemp production licenses are active for three years.
Mississippi CBD Possession Limits
Mississippi has decriminalized all CBD possession limits. Currently, there is no possession limit for hemp-derived CBD products in the state.
Where to Buy CBD in Mississippi?
To be honest, CBD products are all over the place in Mississippi. Consumers can buy CBD oil and hemp derived CBD products from a variety of retail storefronts, gas stations, and kiosks within the state. I want to caution you though, to be extra careful on where you purchase your CBD products. New Phase Blends is a veteran owned and operated CBD company, and we offer nothing but premium CBD products that come with a 30 day money back guarantee. At least give us consideration before purchasing – I know you’ll be happy with your purchase.
In the summer of 2020, the FDA conducted a study on CBD products from different brands. They reported that roughly 25% of CBD products are either fake, under-dosed, or mislabeled. CBD is expensive. I would hate to see a bogus CBD company rip you off. If you are looking for premium CBD goods, like CBD gummies, tinctures, or balms, please check out our online store and save yourself a headache.
Summary – Is CBD Legal in Mississippi?
Yes, CBD is legal in Arkansas. Here are some things to look for to make sure your CBD falls within the federal guidelines for use:
- Hemp-derived CBD is legal
- It must contain less than 0.3% THC
- I recommend that the CBD labels include a QR code that scans to a third-party lab result
- Marijuana-derived CBD is not legal
That about wraps up covering the legalities of CBD within MS. If you are looking to purchase or possess CBD in Mississippi, you don’t have to worry. It is 100% legal in Mississippi.
Is CBD Oil Legal in the United States? A comprehensive, state by state legal guide by NPB.
