US Supreme Court rejects challenge to Mississippi’s marijuana advertising ban

Unlike some people and things – Advertisements by state-licensed medical marijuana businesses in Mississippi don’t enjoy First Amendment free-speech.

The United States Supreme Court chose not to review a case that questioned Mississippi’s near-total prohibition on medical marijuana advertising, which was initiated by Clarence Cocroft II, owner of Tru Source Medical Cannabis.

In 2022, Mississippi’s law permitting medical cannabis became effective following the approval of nearly 70 percent of voters who supported the initiative two years prior.

With a blend of business acumen and a solid foundation in science, Clarence launched Tru Source in April 2023, believing that raising awareness about Mississippi’s medical cannabis program and connecting with customers would be straightforward, especially since he owns four prominent billboards in the area.

Clarence soon discovered that the legislation permitting medical cannabis grants the Mississippi Department of Health significant power to oversee advertising practices.

The state upholds its advertising ban by citing the continued illegal status of marijuana under federal law.

Both the lower court and an appeals court panel sided with the state.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reject his appeal ensures that the November ruling issued by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will remain in effect.

Read more details about the case here at the Institute For Justice