Mississippi Looks to weed out some of their laws and regulation involving Marijuana and hemp usage in the state.
Ballot Initiative 48 would declare an end to the prohibition of cannabis for legal use recreationally, medically and for the sale of hemp for industrial use. The initiative would also call for a governor’s pardon to all non-violent marijuana related crimes against the state of Mississippi, both prior and current.
Hemp and cannabis supporter Kelly Jacobs is the author and sponsor of the initiative and leads the Ballot Initiate 48 for the state and feels the benefits of the legalization of Marijuana would out weigh the potential dangers.
“I think its very transformative, not only is it a avenue to revenue, it would also a lot of people who use tobacco a more healthy alternative is,” Jacobs said. “Farmers would also have an industrial crop that does not need herbicide and can be used for food, oils and plastics. ”
If passed, Ballot Initiative 48 would make recreation use of Marijuana legal for all residents over the age 21. Regulations would require an annual Mississippi Cannabis Sales license issued by any Mississippi County Circuit court, with a fee of no more than $1,000 to all adult resident who apply for the sale of Cannabis.
There would also be a $25 annual city or county governing locality fee to farm 10 to 500 plants.
“It would effect so many areas of Mississippi,” Jacobs said. “It would help sick people deal with side effects as well as help war veterans with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
The benefits of legalization would also benefit schools systems throughout the state as a the 7% sales tax placed on cannabis would go directly to public schooling through 2020. After that the distribution of funds would be reviewed and dispersed appropriately.
“Mississippi Could Prosper if this constitutional amendment is approved,” Jacobs said. “Jobs will be created as well as jails and courts emptied.”
Douglas Campbell is an economics instructor for the University of Memphis and feels the economic aspect of the legalization of Marijuana could benefit the state in many ways.
“The state would see an increase in sales tax revenue,” Campbell said. “If you check Colorado has seen fairly significant increase in tax revenue.”
Campbell also noted now Ballot Initiative 48 would help police focus on other crimes going on in their cities.
“If nothing else it would allow law enforcement to redirect resources away from the Marijuana laws,” Campbell said.
Some residents and lawmakers are opposed to the Initiative and feel it could have harmful affects on society.
Last Oct. State senator Dr. David Parker spoke out against the initiative during and interview with WBHQ 13.
"We have to counsel patients on the dangers of smoking and what it can do to them and basically what this could do to the long term expense of health care to the State,” Parker told the station during an interview.
Residents of Mississippi wanting to help with Ballot Initiative 48 can find more information at Team Legalizes Facebook page “Legalize Marijuana for Mississippi.”
