Mississippians for Compassionate care, the group behind the Medical Marijuana 2020 ballot measure, has been collecting signatures since September 2018. The organizers claim that more than 57,000 signatures of the required 86.185 signatures were certified by state circuit clerks. However, the deadline for Sept. 6 is fast approaching. According to organizers, more than 100 people are currently working across the state collecting signatures. It is not an easy task for the group to get a Mississippi measure on the ballot. Sixteen of the six measures have been successful in going to the polls. Only two, eminent Domain and voter ID requirements, were approved by the Mississippi legislature. Around 32 people attended a forum on the initiative last week at the Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson. Jeff Jones, a Carthage native and the clinical liaison for special project at the Mississippi Department of Health said that he believes this initiative’s focus is on alleviating suffering, which sets it apart from previous attempts to legalize marijuana in the State. Jones stated that if we tried to legalize recreational marijuana, it would not fly. Jamie Grantham is the Communications Director for the Medical Marijuana 2020 Campaign. She shares similar sentiments. After praying for a while and doing research about the medicinal benefits of the plant, the Raymond native decided to join the campaign. Grantham stated, “OK, if this helps people. God created the plant and gave us the directive to’subdue and have dominion on it.’ Which means we need to act responsibly and with what we’ve received to steward…. I wanted Mississippi to have that.” The health department would regulate the production, processing, and distribution of medical marijuana to patients if the measure is approved. The initiative covers 22 debilitating medical conditions. Any patient with one or more of these conditions will be eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card from the department after they have been certified by a Mississippi doctor. The card will cost $50 and permit the patient to buy medical marijuana at a state licensed, regulated treatment center. Jones stated that between 72 and 86 per cent of Mississippians, across all demographics, support legalization. Many have been surprised at the level of support for the measure from conservatives. Jones stated that he supports the measure partly because of the data he gathered from the health department regarding his work with the University of Mississippi Medical Center Opioid Task Force. “What works for those who are addicted to opioids? A minimum 12-month program with ongoing follow-up is what we have found. Jones stated that medical marijuana is not affected by withdrawal symptoms. According to some studies, medical marijuana can be used to treat pain as an alternative to opioids. New research has questioned these findings. Jones is also appealing to the level of regulation. The Mississippi State Board of Health is made up of 11 members appointed to the governor and is opposed to the initiative. They argue that there is not enough evidence that marijuana has medicinal effects. The health department is still preparing for any measure that might be passed. Jones stated that he would become the director for the medical marijuana program. He also said that his experience as a small-business owner and pharmacist would help bring a “commonsense approach” to the program. It should be the best in the nation if my name is associated with the program. Jones stated that Jones wants the nation to see us and think, “Mississippi got it right.” According to supporters, the Mississippi plan is based on the plans of 33 other states that have legalized marijuana. The state will not have a limit on the number legal businesses it can allow to open. Some cases have seen patients or citizens who want to start their own businesses being sued by those who are unable to afford to travel long distances for treatment. Jones also stated that he would work to reduce startup costs to avoid similar situations in California and other states where legal operations are unable to compete with existing black markets. Access for people convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses is a concern. However, this is not being addressed. Aylen Mcardo attended the forum last week and said that this is a significant issue. “I was disappointed that it wasn’t included, because I consider every aspect of someones’ lives when I think about health. Mercado stated that someone who is incarcerated will not have the same opportunities and access as those with a clean record in public health. Mercado expressed dismay at the fact that prescriptions for medical marijuana would be paid out-of-pocket. Because marijuana is a Schedule 1 substance, it is illegal for insurance companies not to cover it. “That excludes working class and poor people who require this type of treatment,” Mercado stated. Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article featured Jeff Jones, the clinical liaison for special projects at Mississippi Department of Health. He cited polling by internal health departments about support for legalizing medical marijuana. A spokeswoman for the Mississippi Today health department stated that the agency had not conducted any polling on this issue after publication.