Bill > SB2353

This bill changes Mississippi's marijuana possession laws by reclassifying possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil infraction. Specifically, the bill amends existing state law to establish that possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana will now result in a civil fine of $100, rather than potential criminal penalties like jail time or a criminal record. The bill also modifies municipal court jurisdiction to allow these courts to impose civil penalties for such marijuana possession. Additionally, for vehicle-related marijuana possession, the bill creates a parallel civil infraction for possessing marijuana in a vehicle, with a $100 fine, instead of the previous criminal misdemeanor approach. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, effectively decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana possession in Mississippi and treating it as a civil matter similar to a traffic violation, which could reduce criminal justice system burdens and prevent individuals from obtaining a criminal record for minor marijuana possession.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2353.xml