A bill establishing the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Research Program at the University of Mississippi was recently signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves.
“The establishment of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Research Program represents a tremendous opportunity to advance scientific knowledge, improve patient care and ultimately enhance the well-being of individuals across our state and the nation,” said director of the university’s National Center for Cannabis Research and Education Robert Welch.
The bill establishes an advisory board overseeing research, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and to guide the program’s strategic direction. Scientists will study new therapeutic uses for cannabis, and the program’s aim is to make new information on medical cannabis easier to understand for stakeholders including health care providers, patients, caregivers, law enforcement and policymakers.
The legislation was championed by Sen. Kevin Blackwell and co-authored by state Sens. Reginald Jackson, Rod Hickman, Sarita Simmons and Nicole Boyd.
“The National Center for Cannabis Research and Education will help to ensure that Mississippi remains at the forefront of natural products research,” said Senator Boyd. “I am proud of the University of Mississippi for continuing to be a national leader in research excellence.”
The university has a long association with cannabis, spanning more than 50 years. It was once the only show in town in the USA able to legally grow marijuana for scientific study. Marijuana was grown under contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
But alleged supply and quality issues saw a push to allow other organisations to participate. UoM’s monopoly ended and more manufacturers were finally authorised by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) starting in 2022. The US federal government is the single “agent” permitted to provide marijuana for research under the 1961 international Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. These days, the DEA is the designated single agent rather than NIDA
A typical outdoor growing season at the university yields more than 500kg of plant material, while an indoor season yields about 10kg. The material is processed to a uniform particle size as it is required to be standardized in various research protocols. UM’s program provides cannabis for research meeting the legal and safety requirements of both DEA and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
