Mississippi Senator Files Companion Bill to Decriminalize First-Time Marijuana Possession

A companion bill to legislation filed last week in the Mississippi House that would decriminalize first-time marijuana possession was introduced today in the state Senate. Senate Bill 2220 was filed by Senator Derrick Simmons (D) and referred to the Judiciary, Division B Committee. The measure mirrors House Bill 196, filed on January 8 by State Representative Omeria Scott (D)

Under current Mississippi law, first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana is punishable only by a fine and carries no jail time, but it is still classified as a criminal misdemeanor. Senate Bill 2220 would remove that offense from the criminal code altogether, allowing first-time possession cases involving personal-use amounts to be handled as civil violations and preventing individuals from receiving a criminal record for the offense.

The bill preserves existing criminal penalties for more serious conduct. Possession of larger quantities of marijuana, repeat possession offenses, and activities involving manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking would continue to be treated as criminal matters under state law. The legislation also maintains stricter penalties for synthetic cannabinoids, particularly as quantities increase.

In addition, the proposal includes clarifying language related to how marijuana weight is calculated for enforcement purposes, while leaving intact Mississippi’s current sentencing framework for higher-level drug offenses, including trafficking and aggravated distribution.

Senate Bill 2220 was referred to Judiciary, Division B, which is one of the Mississippi Senate’s standing judiciary committees. The Senate splits judicial matters between divisions primarily for workload management, with Division B commonly handling criminal law and justice-related legislation.

If approved, the Senate bill would move Mississippi closer to shifting low-level marijuana possession out of the criminal justice system, aligning with similar efforts underway in the House during the current legislative session.