Is CBD Oil Legal in Mississippi? - April 2024

Is CBD Oil Legal in Mississippi?

Under House Bill 1547, hemp-derived CBD products containing at least 50 milligrams of CBD per milliliter and no more than 2.5 milligrams of THC per milliliter are allowed in Mississippi⁽⁵⁾. 

CBD is a phytocannabinoid or a naturally occurring compound predominantly present in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). Low concentrations of CBD can also come from marijuana, another classification of Cannabis sativa. 

The 2018 United States Farm Bill removed hemp containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from being classified as marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act⁽⁶⁾.

Federal law allows industrial hemp cultivation and sale of hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil, in all 50 US states. 

Since the Farm Bill’s signing, hemp-derived CBD oil products have been legally distributed and sold in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have imposed regulations for the CBD industry.

The FDA prohibits CBD companies and retailers from marketing their products as dietary supplements or pharmaceutical drugs⁽⁷⁾.

The medical use of CBD is only allowed for FDA-approved drugs, such as Epidiolex. This CBD drug is used for rare epileptic conditions.

CBD is prohibited from being used as a food ingredient or additive. Thus, manufacturers are not permitted to add CBD to food or beverage products⁽⁸⁾.

Despite CBD’s legalization, not all CBD products are excluded from the Controlled Substances Act. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) declared that they only removed FDA-approved CBD drugs with less than 0.1% THC from the list⁽⁹⁾. 

The DEA added that CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC are Schedule I controlled substances, similar to marijuana and heroin. 

State laws may or may not align with the federal laws due to the governor’s power to veto legislative measures⁽¹⁰⁾.

Mississippi CBD Laws

Mississippi is known for its strict marijuana laws⁽¹¹⁾. Currently, the state has no recreational and medical marijuana program. 

In 2014, the government made an exception by implementing a CBD law that legalized CBD for the treatment of seizures in epileptic conditions.

The state governor signed Harper Grace’s Law (House Bill 1231) in 2014. The bill allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to use cannabis products or oil that contain at least 15% CBD and no more than 0.5% THC⁽¹²⁾. 

The law states that cannabis oil must be tested and legally obtained from the National Center for Natural Products Research of the University of Mississippi (UM)⁽¹³⁾. 

Since hemp-derived CBD became legal on a federal level, Mississippi laws were amended to accommodate the legislature. House Bill 1547 was approved and became effective on July 1, 2019⁽¹⁴⁾.

The bill has removed hemp-derived CBD oil products with a ratio of 20 to 1 (CBD and THC) from the Schedule I controlled substance list. Specifically, hemp-derived CBD products must contain at least 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter (ml) and not more than 2.5mg of THC per ml⁽¹⁵⁾. 

The bill launched a task force responsible for studying how CBD oil may help Mississippi citizens with epileptic conditions. The task force reported that CBD oil helped reduce seizure frequencies⁽¹⁶⁾.

Unless it is for research purposes, possessing CBD oil with more than 2.5mg/ml THC is subject to apprehension by law enforcement.

CBD Licensing Requirements

House Bill 1547 did not specify if buying hemp-derived CBD products require special permission or license⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD oil derived from cannabis plants or marijuana is strictly regulated and reserved for individuals with licensed physicians’ prescriptions⁽¹⁸⁾.  

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)’s department of pharmacy services is responsible for dispensing cannabis-derived CBD oil to individuals with prescriptions⁽¹⁹⁾.

In 2019, Mississippi had no hemp cultivation program. However, the government recognized hemp cultivation’s potential to create jobs.

House Bill 1547 launched a hemp cultivation task force responsible for conducting comprehensive studies on the benefits and economic costs⁽²⁰⁾. 

Upon the task force’s recommendation, the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act (Senate Bill 2725) was signed on June 29, 2020. The bill legalized hemp cultivation and assigned the Commission of Agriculture and Commerce as its regulatory board⁽²¹⁾. 

Testing Requirements

According to House Bill 1231, all CBD oil and hemp products must be tested by or obtained from the National Center for Natural Products Research⁽²²⁾.

The bill did not elaborate on the testing process or qualifications for state approval.

The state has not yet released any CBD programs imposing testing requirements for commercial CBD products.

Buying CBD Legally

Before buying CBD oil in Mississippi, consumers must consider several factors, such as the ratings of companies in the state, product quality, and safety. 

When looking for high-quality CBD oil, individuals must opt for products that have third-party laboratory results. 

Since the state of Mississippi prohibits more than 2.5mg/ml THC, shoppers must always refer to the third-party lab results or certificate of analysis (COA) to check for CBD and THC concentration. The COA must indicate that THC levels are within the legal limit, and the products are free from contaminants, such as harmful chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals.

How to Choose Which CBD Products to Buy

CBD shoppers in Mississippi may also check the CBD company’s rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB rating system allows consumers to provide feedback on products and customer service.

Excellent ratings and accreditation from BBB reflect ethical business practices, such as truthful advertising⁽²³⁾. CBD brands in Mississippi, like The Vapor Shak, LLC in Greenville, and Your CBD Store in Corinth have A+ and A BBB ratings, respectively.

Moreover, CBD products certified by the US Hemp Authority have been thoroughly audited and tested. 

The US Hemp Authority Program’s certification process involves third-party auditors ensuring that products are of high quality⁽²⁴⁾.

Individuals must avoid CBD brands that make any health claims and rely on disclaimers to avoid liability. 

Where to Buy the Best CBD Products Legally

Cannabis-derived CBD products in Mississippi must be tested by or obtained from the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi⁽²⁵⁾. Given the Mississippi laws, users must buy CBD products from the state-approved dispensary: the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).

There are a few CBD stores and dispensaries currently operating in the state. These include Hemp World CBD Dispensary in Pearl, The CBD Store of Southaven in Southaven, and Hemp Ville CBD in Oxford.

However, caution is recommended when buying CBD oil from non-state-approved retailers.

Understanding CBD

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid or a naturally occurring compound predominantly found in hemp plants. Cannabis sativa (hemp and marijuana) contains several phytocannabinoids, such as THC, cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN).

CBD manufacturers extract cannabinoids and other compounds and infuse them in carrier oils.

CBD products come in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, softgels, gummies, and vape pens.

Individuals looking for CBD oil products may choose from the three types available:

Full-spectrum CBD oil consists of cannabinoids, terpenes, and minerals found in industrial hemp plants. Consuming all the cannabinoids and other components together may produce the “entourage effect.” 

This phenomenon implies that the potential benefits of cannabinoids are greater when consumed together.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids except for THC. 

Broad-spectrum CBD products are apt for individuals who do not want any THC in their system.

CBD isolate, made from pure CBD, is recommended for users who prefer CBD alone.

Does CBD Oil Have Health Benefits?

CBD oil is created to promote wellness. Researchers believe that CBD possesses anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sleep-enhancing properties⁽²⁶⁾.

A review detailed how CBD may help relieve anxiety-related conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder⁽²⁷⁾.

A study shared by The Permanente Journal showed that oral CBD administration reduced anxiety scores and improved sleep scores in human volunteers⁽²⁸⁾.

A 2016 animal study demonstrated CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The researchers observed improved limb postures and reduced swelling in the test subjects after transdermal CBD was administered to arthritis rat models⁽²⁹⁾.

Studies showed that CBD has anticonvulsant properties that may help reduce seizure frequencies. A 2019 review from Molecules mentioned that CBD has potential neuroprotective properties that may help with treatment-resistant epilepsy⁽³⁰⁾. 

Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved drug that consists of CBD as its active ingredient. Several controlled trials have shown Epidiolex’s efficacy in treating rare forms of epilepsy in children⁽³¹⁾.

Furthermore, a review shared by Frontiers in Neurology mentioned that CBD combined with THC may improve mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)⁽³²⁾. 

This hypothesis was further studied by subsequent research where volunteers with MS were administered Sativex (THC/CBD oromucosal spray). The results showed that administration of combined THC and CBD reduced spasticity of 627 out of 1,432 volunteers⁽³³⁾.

The oromucosal spray (oral spray) method is used in several studies involving multiple sclerosis⁽³⁴⁾.

More comprehensive studies are needed to verify CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits.

Individuals must note that CBD may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, sleepiness, dry mouth, and weight and appetite changes⁽³⁵⁾.

Conclusion

Mississippi, known as the “magnolia state,” recognizes the benefits of hemp cultivation and consumption of hemp-derived products. The state’s hemp-cultivation program is currently accepting aspiring growers⁽³⁶⁾.

Due to Mississippi laws, individuals should purchase CBD products from the state-approved dispensary, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). 

Individuals with qualifying medical conditions must register with the UMMC’s department of pharmacy before obtaining CBD oil. 

They must consult with their primary physician before adding CBD to their daily regimen. 

For more information on CBD’s legality in all 50 US states, click here.

*The information shared in this article was based on findings retrieved on November 6, 2020. Hemp/CBD laws in the state may change without notice.  

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1. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Retrieved from https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2019/pdf/HB/1500-1599/HB1547SG.pdf
2. The US Food and Drug Administration. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
3. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Op cit.
4. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/#:~:text=Acting%20through%20the%20PPAR%CE%B3%20receptor,elevated%20by%20CBD%20%5B92%5D.
5. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Op cit.
6. The US Food and Drug Administration. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. Op cit.
7. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation on Cannabis and Cannabis-derived Products Including Cannabidiol (CBD). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
8. Ibid.
9. Drug Enforcement Administration. Implementation of the Agriculture Improvement Act. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2020/fr0821.htm
10. National Governors Association. Governors’ Power and Authority. Retrieved from https://www.nga.org/governors/powers-and-authority/#:~:text=All%2050%20state%20governors%20have,days%2C%20which%20vary%20among%20states.&text=Legislatures%20may%20override%20vetoes%2C%20usually%20by%20a%20supermajority%20vote.
11. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1231. Retrieved from  https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2014/html/HB/1200-1299/HB1231SG.htm
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid
14.  Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Op cit.
15. Ibid
16. Walker, L., Director Emeritus, NCNPR. National Center for Natural Product Research. Hemp Cultivation Task Force Meeting (July 8, 2019). Retrieved from https://www.mdac.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/hemp/Hemp%20Task%20Force%20National%20Center%20for%20Natural%20Products%20Research%2020190708.pdf
17.  Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Op cit.
18. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1231. Op cit.
19. Ibid.
20. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1547. Op cit.
21. Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Hemp Cultivation in Mississippi. Retrieved from  https://www.mdac.ms.gov/hemp-cultivation-in-ms/
22. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1231. Op cit.
23. Better Business Bureau. BBB Accreditation Standard. Retrieved from https://www.bbb.org/bbb-accreditation-standards
24. US Hemp Authority. Retrieved from https://ushempauthority.org/
25. Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 1231. Op cit.
26. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Op cit.
27. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
28. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
29. Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818
30. Silvestro, S., Mammana, S., Cavalli, E., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2019). Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(8), 1459. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081459
31. FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms
32. Rudroff, T., & Sosnoff, J. (2018). Cannabidiol to Improve Mobility in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 183. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00183
33. Patti, F., Chisari, C., Solaro, C. et al. Effects of THC/CBD oromucosal spray on spasticity-related symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis: results from a retrospective multicenter study. Neurol Sci 41, 2905–2913 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04413-6
34. Koehler J: Who Benefits Most from THC:CBD Spray? Learning from Clinical Experience. Eur Neurol 2014;71(suppl 1):10-15. doi: 10.1159/000357743
35. Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
36. Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Hemp Cultivation in Mississippi. Op cit.

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