JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A group of law enforcement representatives and veterans voiced their support for Initiative 65 in Mississippi during a news conference on Wednesday.

Initiative 65 would allow medical marijuana treatment for more than 20 specified qualifying conditions. Alternative 65A which would restrict the ability to use marijuana to terminally ill patients.

More than 228,000 Mississippians signed petitions to put Initiative 65 on the ballot for the November 3 election.

Among those in favor is former law enforcement officer Ronnie Bollard. The former Desoto County Sheriff’s Department lieutenant said his daughter is in remission after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2017.

“Law enforcement is talking about how hard this is going to be. This is going to be one of the easiest things for law enforcement. I mean, I’ve been there. I’ve made the stops. I know this can easily be enforced,” he stated.

While some law enforcement representatives and veterans support Initiative 65, others do not. On Wednesday, the membership of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police announced their opposition to the initiatives.

We encourage all voters to research and educate themselves on Initiative 65 before casting a ballot. The membership of the MS Association of Chiefs of Police comes from many different and diverse communities. We are all concerned with the quality of life for individuals and the cities we serve. The position of our association is AGAINST BOTH Initiative 65 and 65A. In the event medical marijuana is approved, we support Alternate Measure 65A on the second vote, to allow the legislative process, through passage of laws, to regulate medical marijuana.

John R. Neal, Chief of Police, Ridgeland MS
President, MS Association of Chiefs of Police

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