House and Senate negotiators are expected to begin meeting next week to try to draft a medical marijuana compromise bill, and both sides say they believe the governor could call a special session in August for lawmakers to pass such a measure. Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R), who is leading the Senate’s efforts, on Wednesday repeated his expectation that an agreement can be reached soon and that a special session could be called by mid-August. Rep. Lee Yancey (R), who is drafting a House bill, said, “I don’t see why not, as long as we come to an agreement soon,” on an August session. Both Yancey and Blackwell said they’ve had informal discussions, but plan to start getting down to brass tacks next week. The Senate Public Health Committee on Wednesday held its third—and likely final—hearing on medical marijuana as the Senate drafts a bill. The panel has heard from medical experts, cannabis business associations, and officials from several other states with medical and-or recreational marijuana programs. Mississippi lawmakers are trying to reach a consensus on a medical marijuana program after the state Supreme Court shot down one overwhelmingly passed by voters last year with ballot Initiative 65. The state Supreme Court ruled in May that the medical marijuana initiative and the entire ballot initiative process are invalid.
Marijuana Moment, Marijuana Moment, 07/22/2021 08:58:00