Mississippi Medical Marijuana Advocates Rally at Capitol Following Governor’s Veto of Reform Bills
- Approximately 100 medical marijuana patients, industry workers, and advocates gathered outside the Mississippi Capitol on March 30 to urge lawmakers to override Governor Tate Reeves’ veto of two medical marijuana-related bills.
- The demonstration protested the rejection of House Bill 895 and House Bill 1152 (Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act), with participants holding signs emphasizing patient rights and the benefits of medical cannabis.
- Key speakers at the rally included State Representative Lee Yancey, medical marijuana consultant Mike Watkins, and Mississippi Patient Voices founder Elizabeth Feder-Hosey, who emphasized the need for legislative action to improve patient access.
- The protest highlighted frustration over current medical marijuana restrictions and called for the Legislature to override the veto with a two-thirds majority, reflecting ongoing debates about Mississippi’s marijuana program's future structure.
(Photo credit: MFP Photo by Rogelio V. Solis).
Roughly 100 medical marijuana patients, industry workers and advocates gathered outside the Mississippi Capitol on March 30, calling on lawmakers to override Governor Tate Reeves’ veto of two bills tied to the state’s medical marijuana program.
The demonstration in Jackson came in response to the governor rejecting House Bill 895 and House Bill 1152 (the Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act). Protesters held signs reading “Patients Over Politics,” “Cannabis Saved My Life,” and “Override the Veto”.
Organizers and speakers at the event included patient advocates, business owners and lawmakers. Among them was State Representative Lee Yancey (R), who addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of legislative action following the veto. Medical marijuana consultant Mike Watkins and Mississippi Patient Voices founder Elizabeth Feder-Hosey also helped lead the demonstration, urging continued pressure on lawmakers.
Several patients shared personal experiences, highlighting their reliance on medical marijuana for conditions such as chronic pain. Signs referencing alternatives to prescription medications and the need for patient access were prominent throughout the crowd.
Advocates are now turning their attention to the Legislature, which has the authority to override the veto with a 2/3rds majority vote. The protest signals growing frustration among patients and industry participants who say the rejected bills would have improved access and addressed key issues within the current system.
The rally underscores ongoing tensions in Mississippi’s evolving marijuana program, as patients and policymakers continue to debate how the system should be structured moving forward