Politicians and medical experts in Mississippi are attempting to get medical cannabis on the 2020 ballot.

At the current time, medical cannabis is restricted to patients in the form of CBD oil products.

Although this concentrated form of cannabis contains a highly therapeutic medicinal compound called cannabidiol (CBD), this non-intoxicating cannabinoid is not the only medicinal compound to be derived from the plant, nor is oil the only way to use medical cannabis.

Petition to get medical cannabis on Mississippi’s 2020 ballot launched in September

One of the leaders of Mississippi’s petition to get medical cannabis on the state’s 2020 ballot is a local ER physician.

“As an emergency room physician, I see so many people who are suffering who could benefit from the use of this very beneficial medication,” Dr. Philip Levin said during an interview with WLOX. “It’s not recreational use. This is strictly for approved uses of certain diseases.”

It all began back in September, when the Grassroots Community Headquarters and Mississippians for Compassionate Care started the petition.

45,000 signatures gathered to get cannabis on Mississippi 2020 ballot initiative

Since the petition started last year, 45,000 signatures have been gathered; promising, considering the fact the petition needs 86,185 by September and has already accumulated more than half of the expected amount.

Another medical professional who is supporting the petition to get medical cannabis on Mississippi’s 2020 ballot is Justin Horst.

For 12 years, Levin has worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). He says that most of the crash-related incidents associated with alcohol consumption or opioid use could have been avoided, had the plant been accessible to those who need it.

“I think it’s, it’s a good thing,” said Horst. “Helps with pain. Get rid of the opioid problem. You get rid of alcohol problems. It’s going to help with your fibromyalgia. It’s going to help with your anxiety, your depression. All types of medical healing properties, and I agree with that.”

A Mississippi mayor is also supportive of the petition to get medical cannabis on Mississippi’s 2020 ballot – Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson.

“To me it’s just an opportunity to give people more options to make the best decision for their lives,” said Dobson.

Regardless of the support to get medical cannabis on Mississippi’s 2020 ballot, its office harbors some of the most anti-pot governors in the country. A voter initiative is the best bet for medical cannabis legalization to pass in the state.

On the plus side, the DEA’s only issued cannabis research cultivation license has been bestowed upon the University of Mississippi.