Mississippi Cannabis Regulations
Legal for Medical Use OnlyRegulatory Agency: Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) ·
Cannabis Landscape Overview
Mississippi's path to medical cannabis was notably complex. Voters approved Initiative 65 in November 2020, but the Mississippi Supreme Court struck it down in May 2021, ruling the ballot initiative process itself unconstitutional due to outdated congressional district requirements. The legislature responded by passing SB 2095, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which Governor Tate Reeves signed in February 2022. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) administers the program.
As of 2026, Mississippi's medical cannabis program is fully operational with licensed cultivators, processors, dispensaries, testing labs, and transporters serving registered patients. Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and several others. Patients may purchase up to 3 ounces per month (or up to 3.5 grams of cannabis concentrate). The program has grown steadily with dispensaries operating across the state.
Packaging Requirements
General Standards
- All cannabis products must be in child-resistant packaging per CPSC and ASTM standards
- Packaging must be tamper-evident and opaque
- Cannot resemble packaging used for products marketed to children
- No cartoon characters, images of minors, or designs appealing to children
- Single-serving edibles must be individually wrapped
Exit Packaging
- Dispensaries must provide opaque exit bags that are child-resistant
- Exit bags must bear the dispensary name and license number
Labeling Requirements
Mandatory Label Elements
- Product identity and form (flower, concentrate, edible, topical, etc.)
- THC and CBD content per serving and per package in milligrams
- Total net weight or volume
- Complete ingredient list with allergen disclosures
- Batch or lot number linked to testing results
- Harvest date (flower) or manufacture date (processed goods)
- Best-by or expiration date
- Cultivator, processor, and dispensary names and license numbers
- Mississippi medical cannabis universal symbol
Warning Statements
- "For use only by a qualifying patient with a valid cannabis card"
- "Keep away from children and pets"
- "May cause impairment—do not drive or operate heavy equipment"
- "Not for resale or transfer to any other person"
Advertising Rules
Mississippi imposes strict controls on cannabis advertising under SB 2095. Licensees may not advertise in any medium where more than 30% of the audience is under 21. No outdoor advertising within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, churches, or public parks. Television, radio, and print advertising must include age-appropriate disclaimers. Digital advertising requires age-gating. Advertising may not contain misleading health claims or depict cannabis consumption. All ads must display the licensee's name and license number.
Licensing Overview
The MSDH issues licenses in multiple categories: cultivator, processor, dispensary, testing facility, transporter, disposal entity, and research facility. There is no statutory cap on the number of licenses. Applicants must be Mississippi residents (at least two years), pass criminal background checks, and demonstrate adequate capitalization. License application fees and annual renewal fees are established by the MSDH. Vertical integration is permitted but not required. All licensees must use the state's seed-to-sale tracking system and comply with regular inspections and reporting requirements.
Cannabis Taxes in Mississippi (2026)
Mississippi cannabis businesses collect and remit multiple overlapping taxes. Below is a summary of the rates that apply to retail cannabis sales as of 2026. Regulatory agency: Mississippi State Department of Health + Department of Revenue.
- Excise tax: 5% excise tax on medical cannabis retail sales
- Sales tax: 7% state sales tax
- Local cannabis tax: No additional local cannabis tax
- Medical exemption: Mississippi is medical-only; rates apply to qualifying patient purchases
- Effective combined rate: 12% medical combined
Mississippi medical sales launched January 2023. Revenue funds health programs and the Cannabis Regulatory Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Mississippi?
Mississippi established a medical cannabis program in 2022 through Senate Bill 2095 after voters approved Initiative 65 (which was invalidated by the state Supreme Court). Qualifying patients may access cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Mississippi. The medical program is regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
What are the packaging requirements in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires medical cannabis products in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and opaque packaging. Products must not resemble candy or appeal to minors.
All packaging must protect the product from contamination and clearly identify it as a medical cannabis product.
What are the labeling requirements in Mississippi?
Mississippi medical cannabis labels must include THC and CBD content, batch number, dosing instructions, health warnings, and the licensee name and license number.
Labels must include a "For Medical Use Only" statement, net weight, ingredient list, and a "Keep out of reach of children" warning.
What are the advertising restrictions in Mississippi?
Mississippi restricts medical cannabis advertising and prohibits targeting minors. Ads must not appear within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, or playgrounds.
All advertising must include health warnings and may not make unsupported therapeutic claims about cannabis products.
How do I get a cannabis license in Mississippi?
Cannabis licenses in Mississippi are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health. License types include cultivator, processor, dispensary, testing facility, transporter, and waste disposal.
Applications require business plans, security protocols, financial documentation, and background checks. The state limits patient purchases to 3.5 grams per day and 3 ounces per month.
Are promotional products allowed for cannabis businesses in Mississippi?
Mississippi restricts promotional materials for medical cannabis businesses. Branded items must not target minors or make unapproved health claims.
Educational materials for patients and B2B promotional items for industry events are generally acceptable within the medical program's guidelines.
Browse by Regulation Category
Check Neighboring States
Alabama · Tennessee · Arkansas · Louisiana