Meadville aldermen vote not to opt-out of state's medical marijuana provisions

During an 11-minute special called meeting on Monday, April 25, the Meadville Board of Aldermen voted not to opt-out of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

Towns, cities and counties across the state must decide by Tuesday, May 3 as to whether they will or will not allow certain medical marijuana-related enterprises to operate in their jurisdictions.

During the public participation portion of the meeting, Meadville resident Steve West spoke to the board about keeping an open mind where the new law was concerned.

In his remarks, West mentioned some of the medical conditions the substance could be used for.

“Like some of you, I have been on the receiving end of a conversation where a doctor says what (a health situation) will mean to your family,” West said.

“You might have always said that will never happen to me and then go through months, years or even a lifetime of surgeries ... all in an attempt to get back to normal or as normal as you can make it.

“Everyone is sympathetic and offers prayers and brings meals — doing what good folks do — and unfortunately that is not always enough.”

West cited some prescribed medications as being helpful while others are not.

“Most are dangerous and considered very addictive,” he continued. “There are many safety features in (the medical marijuana) bill to address this (from being abused), and I just wish there had been this much thought put into opioids and other risky treatments that result in 97,000 deaths per year in the United States.”

West conceded there might be some logistical headaches for municipalities by opting in, but the decision would be worth it to show compassion for fellow citizens with a genuine need for medical marijuana.

Also in attendance at Monday’s session were residents Jack Hollingsworth and Hilda Peeler who appeared during a previous board meeting on April 12 to ask town leaders to “opt out” of the measure.

They were not included on this week’s meeting agenda, and did not speak.

Alderman Charles Calcote, who had been the most vocal in opposing the measure for Meadville, made the motion to opt-out of the cannabis act.

After the second was made, the motion died on a simple vote when a majority of board members voted not to opt-out.

In February, Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill passed by the Legislature legalizing medical marijuana and allowing individuals with debilitating conditions to obtain it with a prescription.