Reeves Supports Special Session To Reimplement Medical Marijuana | Jackson Free Press

Governor Tate Reeves expressed support for a special session of legislation to reimplement a state medical marijuana program at a press event in Lee County this Tuesday. The state’s Supreme Court removed the program from law on May 14. Photo courtesy Mississippi State

The question of the reintroduction of Mississippi’s medical marijuana program could get closer to an answer this week after Governor Tate Reeves announced his support for a special session of the legislature at a news conference on Tuesday.

Reeves insists that state lawmakers reach consensus on how to implement the program, but says they are ready to call a special session as soon as that happens. “We continue to try to facilitate and move this forward,” Reeves said.

The governor had previously refused to convene a special session to reinstate the Mississippi medical marijuana program, which the state Supreme Court on May 14 rejected the medical marijuana program, before considering inviting them to a special session.

Finding that match can be more difficult than expected. The 2021 legislative session was notable for its speed and grueling conflict, with Procedural and political disputes between the House of Representatives and the Senate which resulted in the death of even some of the best plans.

“There are good reasons to do it … and reasons to think it isn’t a good idea,” Reeves said of that potential meeting on May 18th.

Other members of our leadership have expressed their support for the early return of the legislature to reinstate the program, including House Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann.

“If the governor decides to convene the legislature again in a special session, the Senate will be ready,” said Hosemann on May 18.

When a special session could be called, Reeves was unsure, but noted the urgency with which supporters have called for legislative action. Differing opinions regarding the breadth, ease of access, types of marijuana available, tax structure, and zone restrictions of the medical marijuana program are some of the key sticking points that remain.

While the nationwide leadership has called for a tight focus for each special session, some lawmakers have come out in favor of resuming some of the other unfinished legislative work of 2021. Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, suggested on SuperTalk that the special session be held address the abolition of state income tax.

For his part, Reeves is pushing for quick and concrete plans. “Next week isn’t likely, but clearly it should be sooner rather than later,” said Reeves. The question of reviving the voting process itself was also not on the table for Reeves.

“The timing is a little less worrying in this regard”, he stated.

The governor has sole authority over what the legislature can consider in a special session. If he determines that only medical marijuana can be considered, all other discussions – both about electoral initiatives and income tax – become obsolete.

Email Reporting Fellow Julian Mills at [email protected].