City of Picayune votes to Opt Out on medical marijuana

Michael Williams - WRJW News

Well, it looks like the City of Picayune won't be going to pot anytime soon.

During last nights meeting of the city council, a public hearing was held in regard to opting in or opting out of the Mississippi Medical Cannibis Act of 2022.

Only one person signed up to address the council with her opinion. Brittney Loveless told the council that she was in favor of opting in due to her daughter battling Cerebral Palsy among other ailments, and that she feels medical marijuana would drastically improve her daughters life.

The council then asked if anyone else would like to speak, and with no one coming forward, moved to close the public hearing.

The next item on the agenda was for the official vote on opting in or out for the City. With no discussion from the council, the resolution was passed to OPT OUT from any sale or manufacture of medical marijuana. A roll call of votes was asked for with Frank Ford, Lynn Bumpers, Jan Stevens, Larry Breland, and Anna Turnage all voting to OPT OUT.

The matter may not be completely done yet though. If a petition is signed by the lesser of 20% or 1,500 qualified electors (people who are residents of the City and are registered voters eligible to vote) a special election would be held and put the vote to the citizens. Any petition, if it is to be recognized, must be completed and legally filed within 60 days.