The citizen-sponsored initiative supporters claim that the alternative would confuse voters, and prevent either proposal being approved in the Nov. 3, general election. Trey Lamar (R-Senatobia), House Ways and Means Chairman, says the alternative is necessary because the citizen-sponsored effort does not have enough regulations regarding the dispensing and usage of medical marijuana. House Rules Chair Jerry Turner (R-Baldwyn), who passed the alternative bill out of his committee, stated that “the other bill” (citizen sponsored initiative) contains no regulation at all. The bill is currently pending before the full House. It is expected to spark intense debate when it’s considered. A broad range of conservatives and libertarians have sponsored the citizen-sponsored initiative, which includes some legislators. Rep. Joel Bomgar (Republican from Madison), a conservative with libertarian views was one of the leaders in the effort to gather the 106,000 signatures required to place the issue on the November ballot. The state’s initiative laws allow the Legislature to include an alternative ballot option that will be listed alongside the citizen-sponsored one. Jamie Grantham, of Medical Marijuana 2020, stated that the campaign believes any alternative resolution by Mississippi’s Legislature is an attempt at killing a Mississippi medical marijuana program. “More Than 220,000 Mississippians did all they could to make medical marijuana eligible for the ballot, only to have the Legislature change it into an unfair election if another option is added to the ballot. Mississippians, including those with debilitating medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, PTSD and spinal cord injuries, deserve a fair vote. The Medical Marijuana 2020 group claims that under the citizen-sponsored initiative, people with a “debilitating” medical condition can be prescribed marijuana by a Mississippi licensed physician. The Mississippi Department of Health would regulate the entire process. The Board of Directors of the Department of Health have publicly opposed the initiative. The House will soon take up the alternative but has not yet taken a position. Lamar stated that the initiative is too broad. He stated that the goal of the initiative is to provide a pathway to recreational marijuana. Lamar stated that the citizen-sponsored initiative would limit the amount of tax that can be levied on marijuana to between 1 percent and 7 percent of its cost. It would also give the Board of Health, and not the Legislature, the power to levy the tax as well as to appropriate funds from the sale of medical cannabis. Lamar stated that the revenue from medical marijuana sales could only be used to “promote” medical marijuana. Lamar also stated that the citizen-sponsored initiative wouldn’t allow the board responsible for regulating physicians access to the prescribing practices used by doctors who prescribe marijuana. There would also be no restrictions on the production and dispensing marijuana. Lamar stated that without restrictions, it would be difficult to regulate marijuana. This citizen-sponsored initiative allows doctors and patients to prescribe 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana every other week, or approximately 5 ounces per monthly. Lamar stated that this would equal 300 joints per month. Lamar’s proposal would restrict the use of marijuana to patients who are terminally ill. However, other patients may be prescribed marijuana in other forms such as pills. Lamar said, “I see the benefits of a true medical cannabis program, but it must be done right.” Grantham stated, “I hear so much from Mississippi families who are suffering and need an alternative option.” Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a young mother with ALS who was in a wheelchair and had recently been diagnosed. I have spoken to parents of children suffering from seizure disorders and having multiple seizures daily. I also spoke with veterans who fought for their country and are suffering from PTSD. They deserve another option, and a fair vote in November. Mississippians deserve fair voting in November.” For the citizen-sponsored initiative to pass, the majority of voters must approve it. If the Legislature passes one, the alternative option must be approved by the majority. To pass, the majority that approves the measure must represent at least 40% of all voters. In 2015, the Legislature had approved an alternative. The 2015 legislative leadership introduced an alternative to Initiative 42 that sought to strengthen the state’s constitutional commitment towards public education. Both the citizen-sponsored initiative as well as the alternative were defeated in that year._x000D