Am I eligible for medical pot in MS? It’s more complicated if you’re under 25.
Starting in June, people who can verify they have a debilitating condition will be eligible to apply for registry identification cards permitting the use of medical marijuana in Mississippi. The application process will take place online through the Mississippi State Department of Health.
“When a patient applicant is approved, an electronic medical cannabis patient identification card will be issued,” said Kris Jones, director of the Medical Cannabis Program at the health department.
To qualify for the use of medical marijuana, you must be diagnosed with a debilitating condition by a registered practitioner, who must be of the medical opinion that cannabis would help the patient’s condition or symptoms.
The following medical conditions or their treatment qualify for participation in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program:
- cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- muscular dystrophy
- glaucoma
- spastic quadriplegia
- positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- hepatitis
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
- sickle-cell anemia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- agitation of dementia
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- autism
- pain refractory to appropriate opioid management
- diabetic/peripheral neuropathy
- spinal cord disease or severe injury
Also qualifying is a chronic terminal or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
- cachexia or wasting syndrome
- chronic pain
- severe or intractable nausea
- seizures
- severe and persistent muscle spasms including, but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
The practitioner has to provide a written certification of the diagnosis that lasts for 12 months unless the practitioner specifies a shorter period. Certification also requires a 6-month check-up after using medical cannabis.
Qualifications for the card depends on the circumstances of the applicant. Some require additional steps:
Minors
Minors may be issued written certification if their parent or guardian is present and provides signed consent. But, physicians and doctors of osteopathic medicine are the only ones who can issue written certification to minors. Osteopathic doctors treat the entire person instead of just the symptoms and practice in all medical specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, emergency medicine and psychiatry.
18- to 25-year-olds
People who are 18 to 25 years old have to have two practitioners from separate medical practices diagnose them with a debilitating medical condition after an in-person consultation. One of these practitioners must be a physician or doctor of osteopathic medicine. If the patient is homebound or acquired a card as a minor, two written certifications are not necessary.
Designated caregivers/healthcare workers
Designated caregivers must also acquire written certification to receive a registered card from the MSDH. Caregivers can assist up to five registered patients, unless they are employed by a health care or day care facility. Caregivers have to be at least 21 years old unless they are the parent or guardian of a registered minor. Caregivers cannot have a felony conviction for a violent crime or one involving controlled substances. Background checks will be required.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents who have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition or are the parent or guardian of someone with the diagnosis may qualify for a card in his or her state or territory. Anyone who has lived in Mississippi for less than 45 days is also considered a nonresident. Registration cards issued to nonresidents expire 15 days after they are issued. Nonresidents may apply for a registry card up to 30 days before arriving in Mississippi. The card is limited to two 15-day periods per year.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
