Is THC Legal in Mississippi?

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What Is THC?

As defined in Senate Bill 2095, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is any form of the THC cannabinoid molecule, whether contained naturally in plants or synthesized in a laboratory. This definition comprises all the derivatives, allotropes, and isomers of THC with similar physiological effects and molecular structures. Therefore, under Mississippi law, THC isomers such as delta-6 THC, delta-10 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, delta-3 THC, and exo-THC are all recognized as THC.

THC can be found in hemp and cannabis plants in different isomeric forms, but delta-9 THC is the most predominant isomer in cannabis plants. Other THC isomers in cannabis only occur in trace amounts. Hemp plants usually contain lower concentrations of THC and high cannabidiol (CBD) levels. THC and CBD are physiologically active cannabinoids. However, THC is psychoactive and can cause a ‘’high,’’ while CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a ‘’high’’ when consumed. Nevertheless, CBD can be synthesized into delta-9, delta-8, and other THC compounds using acids, solvents, and heat.

Is THC Legal in Mississippi?

As stipulated in SB 2725 (the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act), THC products derived from hemp with maximum THC concentrations of 0.3% are legal in Mississippi. The state does not restrict any type of hemp product. Therefore, residents may purchase THC products for smoking, ingestion, topical application, or sublingual use. Nevertheless, THC sourced from marijuana is only legal for registered medical marijuana patients in the state. The Mississippi Medical Marijuana Act (Senate Bill 2095) permits registered patients to purchase and use THC products in all forms. However, it is illegal to smoke or vape marijuana in public spaces.

How Much THC is in Weed?

THCA is a naturally occurring compound in weed that is usually labeled separately from THC on products because Mississippi law recognizes its tendency to convert into THC. According to Senate Bill 2095, cannabis flowers sold to medical marijuana patients must not have a total THC potency (delta-9 THC and THCA included) that exceeds 0.3%. Other THC compounds that contribute to the potency of weed are tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THCC) and tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) as well as delta-7, delta-8, and delta-10 THC. In line with the requirements of Senate Bill 2095, marijuana-derived THC products sold to patients are labeled ‘’extremely’’ potent when their total THC levels are above 0.3%. The THC potencies of cannabis oils or concentrates sold to medical marijuana patients do not exceed 0.6%.

The average potency of Cannabis sativa strains sold at dispensaries is over 200% higher than weed used in the 1960s. A popular marijuana strain known as lemon meringue has approximately 21% THC, while another strain called the godfather contains up to 34% THC. However, in the 1960s, the THC level of weed was about 2%. During that period, weed contained much higher levels of CBD. The THC potencies of cannabis samples confiscated by the DEA steadily increased from about 3% in the 1980s to over 12% in 2012. By 2019, the THC concentration of weed surpassed 14%. Highly potent cannabis strains can contain up to 90% THC. Nevertheless, some new weed variants grown primarily for their CBD component have 0% THC level.

Mississippi THC Laws 2022

Mississippi’s legalization of THC came after the United States signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), legalizing hemp federally and removing it from its status as a Schedule I controlled substance. Consequently, it became legal to sell and use THC products that do not contain over 0.3% THC in Mississippi. In July 2020, Governor Reeves signed Senate Bill 2725 (the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act), which contains the state’s guidelines for hemp production. Currently, it is legal for Mississippi residents to manufacture and sell hemp-derived THC products online or at local stores, provided the THC levels of such products do not exceed 0.3%. However, THC obtained from cannabis is only legal for patients registered under the Mississippi medical cannabis program. Residents cannot consume marijuana-sourced THC products recreationally.

What is the Legal Limit for THC While Driving in Mississippi?

Mississippi law does not regard any type of THC product as a low-THC product. Also, there is no legal THC limit for drivers in the state. However, a person driving a vehicle under the influence of an impairing substance such as THC can face criminal charges or lose their license.

Will THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. THC is a highly fat-soluble compound that has a prolonged half-life in the human body. It remains detectable in the body system even after its psychoactive effect wears off. In Mississippi, law enforcement officers may request drug tests from drivers they suspect to be operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other physically or mentally impairing substances, such as THC. However, whether or not THC shows up in a driver’s system depends on:

• How much time has passed since the last THC consumption
• The frequency of THC product usage
• A person’s body metabolism rate
• The amount of THC product consumed
• The method of THC product usage (whether the product was inhaled or ingested)
• A person’s body mass index (BMI) and hydration level

How Long Does THC Stay in the Body?

The window of THC detection in the body varies depending on the sample being tested.

• Saliva test: This non-invasive test involves taking samples by rubbing an absorbent pad attached to the end of a stick on the tongue or inside the cheek. It can detect THC for up to 24 hours after consumption
• Urine test: This is the preferred drug testing method for DUI-related offenses because high concentrations of THC remain in the urine after a person consumes a THC product. A urine drug test can detect THC for up to 30 days after use
• Blood test: THC remains in the bloodstream for a short period after consumption because it reaches the blood very quickly, especially when a person consumes a THC product through inhalation. Blood tests can detect THC for approximately 12 hours after use
• Hair test: Hair testing has a long THC detection window of about 90 days

Over 65% of ingested THC gets eliminated through the urine and feces. The THC molecules that are not eliminated enter the body’s tissues and organs, such as the brain and heart, where they bind with the endocannabinoid receptors. The body usually stores THC molecules in fatty cells and releases them back into the bloodstream over time.

What Is THC Oil?

THC oil can be consumed sublingually, smoked, or incorporated into foods or drinks. It is a concentrated oil rich in THC, terpenes, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Due to its high THC concentration, THC oil can cause significant psychoactive effects when consumed. It can be prepared by soaking various parts of cannabis plants (including the buds) in alcohol to absorb the cannabinoid content of the plants and separating the cannabinoid-rich liquid from the plant material with a strainer. The liquid is then heated over boiling water to evaporate the alcohol and leave behind the THC oil. THC oil should not be mistaken for CBD oil, a concentrated derivative of hemp plants that mainly contains CBD and is non-intoxicating.

What Is THC Distillate?

THC distillate is a highly purified derivative of cannabis plants that can get a consumer high. It can contain up to 90% THC. However, in line with the provisions of Senate Bill 2095, THC distillates sold in Mississippi can only have a maximum THC concentration of 0.6%. Although THC distillate can be ingested orally or applied topically, most users prefer to use this product by vaping because its psychoactive effect kicks in faster after inhalation. THC distillate is sometimes mistaken for CBD distillate, but the two products are different. CBD distillate is derived from hemp, the cannabidiol-rich strain of Cannabis sativa plants. It contains very high levels of CBD and does not cause psychoactive effects. Another product that is usually mistaken for THC distillate is THC oil. However, THC oil is not purified like THC distillates, so it contains other non-THC molecules of cannabis plants.

Where to Buy THC in Mississippi

As provided in Senate Bill 2095, registered medical marijuana patients in Mississippi may purchase cannabis-derived THC products such as edibles, beverages, topicals, oils, ointments, suppositories, and tinctures from dispensaries. The total THC content of such products (delta-9 and delta-8 contents included) does not usually exceed 0.3%. Only concentrated extracts, oils, and tinctures derived from cannabis can contain up to 0.6% THC. Hemp-derived THC products are available online at physical retail stores.

THC Edibles Dosing Guide