Mississippi Medical Marijuana: More Patients, Fewer Businesses

1 September 2025

Mississippi’s medical marijuana program is growing quickly among patients but contracting slightly on the business side, according to state data.

Active patient cards rose from about 40,000 in June 2024 to nearly 50,000 by August 2025. The state is now adding roughly 50 new cardholders each day.

In contrast, the number of licensed cannabis businesses slipped from 386 in 2024 to 374 in 2025. Cultivators account for most of the decline, while dispensary numbers have remained steadier even as some independents are acquired by larger groups.

Harrison County leads the state in patient registrations, followed by Rankin and Jackson counties. Local dispensaries report that chronic pain is the most common qualifying condition. The county also records Mississippi’s highest rate of opioid overdose deaths, highlighting why some residents are turning to cannabis as an alternative.

Mississippi legalized medical marijuana in 2022. Patients may obtain up to 3.5 grams per day, capped at three ounces per month, for 25 qualifying conditions. The process for obtaining a card has proved less cumbersome than many expected, contributing to the steady rise in participation.

The data suggest a market settling into balance: patient access is broadening, operators are consolidating, and both regulators and businesses are adjusting to a more stable footing.