Drug Policy

HB 417 adds 58 specific synthetic opioids to Mississippi's Schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, classifying them as having no legitimate medical use and a high potential for harm. The bill directly affects anyone possessing, distributing, or using these listed substances, including fentanyl analogs like acetyl-alpha-methylfentanyl, beta-hydroxyfentanyl, and others. Key provisions include listing exact chemical names (e.g., "4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl" and "2'-fluoro ortho-fluorofentanyl") and defining structural modifications that would automatically classify related compounds under Schedule I. This expands Mississippi's legal restrictions to include these newly designated substances, aligning with federal analog laws but applying specifically to state enforcement.

HB 563 requires Mississippi to automatically add a specific pharmaceutical form of psilocybin (approved by the FDA) to the state's controlled substances list once the federal government (DEA) schedules it. This eliminates the need for new state legislation to implement the scheduling and applies only to psilocybin used in FDA-approved medications. The automatic scheduling would remain in effect until the next legislative session passes a new law to update Mississippi's controlled substances schedule.

SB 2822 makes kratom illegal in Mississippi by adding it to Schedule III of the state's Controlled Substances Act, classifying it as a restricted drug. This directly affects anyone who uses, sells, or distributes kratom products within the state, effectively banning its sale and possession. The bill also repeals existing laws that previously imposed an excise tax on kratom sales and established regulatory rules for kratom products. These changes remove all legal pathways for kratom commerce, treating it like other controlled substances under Mississippi law.

SB 2224 would have added mifepristone and misoprostol to Mississippi's Schedule IV of controlled substances, regulating them under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This would have required prescriptions and restricted distribution for these medications, which are used for medical procedures including medication abortion. The bill specified that any detectable quantity of these drugs would be subject to Schedule IV regulations, similar to other prescription sedatives. The bill was referred to the Drug Policy committee but died in committee on February 4, 2025, so it never became law. This change would have directly affected healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients seeking these specific medications.

Approved by Governor