When more than 70% of Mississippi voters approved of medical Cannabis last year, they understandably thought it was a done deal. Prospective investors and entrepreneurs started securing business spaces and grow locations. Patients finally felt hope of the relief marijuana can bring.
But the Mississippi Supreme Court was having none of that. On a 6-3 vote, the conservative Republicans on the court ruled against the people’s will on a technicality.
Dozens of Mississippians from across the state went to Jackson from to attend the ‘We Are the 74%’ rally, reports Mississippi Public Broadcasting. The name refers to the percentage of Mississippians who voted to pass Initiative 65 last November.
“We want a special session,” a speaker at the rally told the crowd. ”We want you to enact medical marijuana and make it look exactly like initiative 65. And we want you to fix the ballot initiative process that y’all broke.”
The protesters are frustrated that the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned the measure. Even after I-65 organizers did exactly as the Secretary of State told them, the court called the ballot initiative process “outdated.”
One handwritten sign Tuesday said: “New Math: 6 (is greater than) 766K,” reports Magnolia State Live. More than 766,000 Mississippians voted for medical Cannabis. That’s more votes than Donald Trump got, and he easily won the state.
‘I Don’t Want To Leave Mississippi’
Iuka resident Bethany Hill said says she suffers from chronic illnesses and had to move out of Mississippi to seek medical marijuana. Hill has relied on CBD products since she moved back 2 years ago. But she said she has not been able to access the full medical benefits of Cannabis and may have to leave the state again.
“And no Mississippian should ever have to make that decision,” Hill said. “Never again. We can’t stand for it. We can’t allow that to happen anymore,” said Hill.
“I don’t want to leave,” Hill told the crowd. “I love my people, I love my state. Please fix this. Thank you.”
Leaders in the Mississippi Legislature say they are open to a special session to pass a law like I-65. Governor Tate Reeves, a conservative Republican, claims he is “considering” that option.
Mississippi is in the minority of states without a medical marijuana program. Lawmakers’ annual session ended in early April. Only the governor can call them back to the Capitol, and he decides what topics they may consider.
We Are The 74 Rally
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