Taking a beach trip to Mississippi? Or driving home from a state where weed is legal?
Before you pack up — or cross state lines — there’s something to know: Marijuana laws in Mississippi can surprise travelers.
Mississippi allows medical marijuana. But recreational use isn’t fully legal.
Bringing weed into the state can lead to criminal charges, even if you bought it legally elsewhere. Penalties depend on how much you have, where it’s found and whether it’s in a car.
Here’s what to know about marijuana laws in Mississippi.
No. Mississippi does not allow recreational marijuana.
About half of all U.S. states have decided to fully legalize weed for adult, non-medical use.
Mississippi has eased penalties for small amounts. Possession can still lead to fines, jail time or felony charges. It all depends on the situation.
No.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in December easing some federal penalties. It did not legalize the drug nationally or override state marijuana laws.
Weed with more than 0.3% THC is still a Schedule III drug under federal law.
You should not.
TSA checkpoints are federally controlled. TSA’s official policy says officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs. But if they find any during screening, they are required to refer the matter to law enforcement.
That could lead to criminal drug trafficking charges, even if the pot was legal where you bought it.
No.
Crossing state lines with a controlled substance breaks federal law.
That’s true even if both states on the border legalized weed. No state neighboring Mississippi has fully legalized cannabis.
Yes.
Medical marijuana is legal for purchase and consumption here through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
To buy medical marijuana, you must have a medical cannabis card issued by Mississippi. State‑registered doctors can prescribe weed for more than 20 qualifying conditions, including cancer, glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease. Check the list maintained by the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program to see if you qualify.
There are fees for patients and caregivers, as well as additional costs for doctor visits. Health insurance does not cover medical marijuana.
It’s sold at approved dispensaries.
Cardholders may buy no more than 24 Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs) in a 30‑day period and can possess up to 28 MMCEUs at one time.
Yes, with limits.
People who don’t live in Mississippi can apply for temporary medical marijuana cards up to twice a year. Each temporary card is valid for 15 days and requires proof of medical marijuana eligibility in the person’s home state.
Non‑residents may buy up to 6 MMCEUs per week or 12 per 15‑day period.
Penalties depend on the amount, type and location of the marijuana, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). The nonprofit advocates for the legalization of use by adults.
Charges and penalties are:
Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
No. It’s a felony to sell or grow weed in Mississippi, according to NORML.
The state regulates licensed facilities that grow cannabis for medical use or production.
Even people with medical marijuana cards can’t grow it at home, according to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
Many travelers assume neighboring states have similar laws. They don’t.
As of 2026, 24 states and the District of Columbia allow recreational marijuana, according to DISA Global Solutions, a drug-test company. Those states include California, Colorado, New York, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri.
Mississippi has not legalized recreational marijuana, and marijuana laws can change quickly. Travelers should always check current state and federal rules before carrying or using cannabis.
Contributing: Vanessa Johns and C. A. Bridges
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.