Bill > HB196

This bill amends Mississippi law to reclassify the first offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of synthetic cannabinoids from a criminal offense to a civil offense, meaning it will no longer result in a criminal record. Instead, offenders will face a civil penalty, a fine between $100 and $250, which will be paid to the municipality or county where the offense occurred. The bill also outlines that while a second conviction within two years becomes a misdemeanor with potential jail time and mandatory drug education, and a third or subsequent conviction also becomes a misdemeanor with increased fines and jail time, the initial offense is treated as a civil matter. This change aims to reduce the criminal consequences for minor marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid possession offenses.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0196.xml