- Who is required to have a background check?
- Individuals applying for the required work permit for employment by a licensed medical cannabis establishment.
- Individuals with an economic interest (as defined by the rules and regulations developed by the MS State Department of Health and MS Department of Revenue) in a prospective medical cannabis business entity.
- Individuals intending to serve as a registered caregiver to patient participants of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
- Individuals working in licensed medical cannabis establishments.
- Are fingerprints required as part of the background check?
Yes, fingerprints are required. Until further notice, fingerprint cards must be submitted via mail to:
MSDH Fingerprint
Unit 143B Lefleur’s Square
Jackson, MS 39211 - Am I required to complete an affidavit prior to submitting my online application for a work permit (or) business license?
Yes, in addition to your fingerprint card, you must complete either the “Affidavit for Applicant for Business Licensure” or the “Affidavit for Applicant for Work Permit” dependent upon the application you plan to submit. This affidavit must be notarized. - What information & documentation do I submit with my online application?
- The date of submission of the card to the MSDH Fingerprint Unit
- The signed, notarized affidavit referenced in FAQ #3
- Does the background check have to be conducted by the MS State Department of Health?
Yes. You may have your fingerprint card completed by a local law enforcement entity. You must submit your fingerprint card and affidavit for background check to MSDH. Your fingerprints will be submitted through state and federal databases to determine whether or not you have been convicted of a disqualifying federal offense as stated in the MS Medical Cannabis Act.
What does a disqualifying felony offense mean?
- A conviction for a crime of violence as defined by Miss Code Section 97-3-2
- A conviction for a crime that was defined as a violent crime in the law of the jurisdiction in which the offense was committed, and that was classified as a felony in the jurisdiction where the person was convicted; or
- A conviction for a violation of a state or federal controlled substances law that was classified as a felony in the jurisdiction where the person was convicted, including the service of any term of probation, incarceration or supervised release within the previous five (5) years and the offender has not committed another similar offense since the conviction. Under this subparagraph, a disqualifying felony offense shall not include a conviction that consisted of conduct for which this chapter would likely have been prevented the conviction but for the fact that the conduct occurred before the effective date of the MS Medical Cannabis Act.
If you have additional questions concerning fingerprinting or background checks, contact the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program at (601) 206-1540 or msmedicalcannabis@msdh.ms.gov.
INFORMATION SOURCE: MMCP.MS.GOV