Mississippi has adopted a mixed approach to cannabis law, allowing regulated medical marijuana use while continuing to prohibit recreational weed statewide. Qualified patients can legally access medical cannabis through the state’s licensed program, but possession and use outside approved medical limits remain illegal and subject to penalties. This page explains Mississippi’s current marijuana legality, including medical cannabis rules, possession limits, restrictions on home cultivation, and how state law treats recreational marijuana. For readers who want to see how Mississippi’s cannabis laws compare nationwide, explore our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Mississippi
As of May 2025, marijuana laws in Mississippi are nuanced, distinguishing between medical use and recreational use, with
1. Medical Marijuana – Legal
Law: Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (Effective February 2022)
Eligibility:
- Must have a qualifying condition (e.g., cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain)
- Must receive certification from a licensed practitioner
- Must register with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
Purchase & Use:
- Only from state-licensed dispensaries
- Allowed forms: flower, concentrates, edibles, oils, tinctures
- Smoking/vaping permitted for approved patients
Possession Limits:
- Up to 3.5 grams per day
- Max 3 ounces per month
Other Rules:
- No home cultivation
- Driving under the influence is prohibited
- Use is restricted to private property
2. Recreational Marijuana – Illegal
Possession:
- ≤30 grams: Misdemeanor, up to $250 fine, no jail (for first offense)
- >30 grams or repeat offenses: Criminal charges, possible jail time and fines
Sale/Distribution:
- Felony, with significant penalties
Cultivation:
- Prohibited for non-medical users
3. Summary
| Category | Status | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Use | Legal | With card, from licensed dispensaries, strict possession limits |
| Recreational Use | Illegal | Small amounts decriminalized; higher amounts still criminal |
| Home Cultivation | Illegal | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| DUI | Illegal | Driving under influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited |
Bottom Line:
Medical marijuana is legal with regulation. Recreational marijuana remains illegal.
