Mississippi MMJ and Schools

Considering Mississippi's "less than enlightened" attitude on several subjects in the past, I was quite pleasantly surprised by this article. I am hoping that the reporter made an error, cannabis can only be recommended, not "prescribed"! If the law reads "prescribed", this law means nothing until cannabis is removed from Schedule 1. And how will this affect federal school funding?


Children are eligible for medical marijuana in MS. Can students take it at school? (news – 2022)
https://www.sunherald.com/news/health/article260645452.html#storylink=mainstage_lead

Schools may no longer technically be drug-free zones once medical cannabis is available in Mississippi.

The law allows for minors who suffer from debilitating conditions to use medical cannabis, provided a parent or guardian gives permission and a registered osteopathic doctor prescribes it.

The law also provides for use of the medical pot treatment in schools and daycares.

“Facilities such as schools, child care facilities and temporary care providers shall be allowed to administer medical cannabis in the same manner as with medical prescriptions,” it states.

While counties can opt out of the use of medical marijuana, school districts do not have that option. If the school is in a county that permits the use of medical cannabis, the school is required to make reasonable accommodations for students who need the prescribed medicine during school hours.

“Debilitating” may seem synonymous with “bedridden,” but the exhaustive list of approved conditions covers a much larger range of suffering patients. For example, students with ulcerative colitis or post traumatic stress disorder may have their bad days, but will often brave discomfort to be among classmates.

One condition common on the Coast is autism spectrum disorder. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 1 in 44 of 8-year-old children were identified with ASD in 2018. Those with ASD who suffer from seizures or gastrointestinal problems might benefit from medical cannabis, but it isn’t likely to help or be prescribed to everyone with the disorder. The decision to prescribe medical cannabis to a minor belongs to the parent or guardian and physician. (snipped- goes on to a longish list qualifying conditions)


Granny