Bill > HB873

This bill establishes a new screening and approval program within the Mississippi State Department of Health to regulate over-the-counter products that could potentially be misused or abused recreationally. The bill defines a "substance with the potential to be recreationally used or abused" as any substance used without medical supervision for non-medical purposes, with unpredictable effects that could harm the user or lead to dependence. The program will specifically target products like bath salts, kratom, and tianeptine. The State Health Officer will have the authority to approve or deny the retail sale of such products based on various types of evidence, including scientific and anecdotal information. Manufacturers or distributors who are denied approval can appeal the decision to the State Board of Health within 30 days. The department is required to establish rules and regulations for implementing the program, and importantly, the bill does not prevent local municipalities or counties from enacting their own additional restrictions on these substances. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving businesses and regulators time to prepare for the new screening process.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0873.xml