Southaven Aldermen Debate Medical Cannabis Opt-In

Southaven, Miss. – The issue of opting in to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act sparked a lengthy and passionate debate at last night’s Southaven Board of Aldermen meeting, with proponents and opponents firmly stating their positions. The board ultimately moved to have a formal ordinance drafted for future consideration, specifically addressing the sale of medical cannabis dispensaries within an already established “Medical District.”

Alderman William Jerome has spearheaded the push to opt-in, recommending an ordinance to allow dispensaries strictly within the city’s designated Medical Zone. This recommendation follows a previous decision by the city to create the specialized zone in anticipation of a potential opt-in decision.

However, the proposal has met opposition, most notably from Mayor Darren Musselwhite and several aldermen. Musselwhite voiced deep concerns, citing the potential for abuse of the medical cannabis system, the increased potency and danger of modern marijuana, and the potential for it to act as a “gateway drug” for some.

“If there is something on this planet that can ease the pain of another human being without them getting addicted to opioids, I support that,” Musselwhite said. “But it is fair for everybody to know that there are some negatives that come with this.”

Opposing aldermen, including Alderman Raymond Flores, highlighted that the medical need is already being met by nine dispensaries in DeSoto County (in Olive Branch, Horn Lake, and Hernando), questioning the benefit of adding another in Southaven. They also argued that opting in would be an irreversible step toward legalizing recreational use, a path they believe has negatively impacted other cities, as well as placing an added strain and financial burden on the Southaven Police Department.

Police Chief Seth Kern echoed the concerns, noting that the presence of legal medical cannabis complicates law enforcement operations, requiring officers to spend time checking prescriptions during traffic stops and imposing testing costs on taxpayers. He also questioned the medicinal claims, asking why cannabis isn’t available in standard pill or capsule form at pharmacies.

Alderman Jerome and Alderman Lewis argued that citizens who truly need the medication shouldn’t be forced to drive to other cities.

“We want to help our citizens, and we want to give them every right to everything that is available to them,” Alderman Lewis commented, reflecting on the potential for cannabis to offer an alternative to addictive opioids.

The discussion concluded with a move to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for consideration to allow for dispensaries only within the Medical Zone, deferring the final vote until the ordinance is drafted and presented to the board.

Southaven was one of the cities to initially opt-out of the state’s medical cannabis law, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (SB 2095). Gov. Tate Reeves signed it into law on February 2, 2022.

The law was effective immediately and created the framework for the state’s medical cannabis program, allowing cities and counties the option to opt out, which Southaven did. However, the allowed Medical District was established in case the city would change its mind and opt in at a future date.