Indianola Mayor Ken Featherstone is open to exploring how medical marijuana could potentially impact the city, but says he will seek input from the community if and when the bill is signed.
Senate Bill 2095, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, was passed by the Senate and the House last month.
Gov. Tate Reeves received the bill today and has five working days to sign it or veto it.
“When the state and governor do what they do and it becomes absolutely legal and everything opens up, I as well as the board of aldermen will explore how that comes into our area,” Featherstone said.
Featherstone believes it isn’t their decision alone.
“Let’s all come together, let’s not be hasty with it, let’s discuss it, kick it around a little bit and see if it works, because everything doesn’t work for everybody,” Featherstone said.
Featherstone says he wants to hear from everyone, including the local clergy and doctors within the community.
“You want to hear from doctors, to hear their opinions, and talk about the treatment of you and how well it improves the quality of life, all the pros and cons, what is the downside to it?” Featherstone said.
According to the bill, governing boards of cities and counties will have the option to opt out of allowing medical marijuana within 90 days of its passage. However, cities can opt the city or county back in by referendum.
Featherstone said he would like to have a town hall meeting during the 90 day period.
“Just for citizens to come in and voice their opinion about it. Some of our merchants, people who are willing and able to set up a business,” Featherstone said. “I would like to hear from them as well as local government.”
The bill states that the Health Department is required to start licensing for growers within 120 days and 150 days for dispensaries.
Featherstone would like to answer questions on how medical marijuana will be regulated with the city and county.
“We have to figure out how we can work that into our neck of the words, into our town and how it would work for certain merchants and also our citizens as well,” Featherstone said.
According to the bill, patients will be issued cards by the Health Department within 60 days of the bill’s passage.
