Video: North Miss. Lawmaker Talks Marijuana in Legislature

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JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) — A North Mississippi lawmaker says it’s high time to start talking about marijuana, since it’s sweeping the nation.

District 16 Democrat Steve Holland’s amendment to legalize marijuana failed in the state House of Representatives this week.

He says it’s the first time the issue has ever been brought up in session.

Some local lawmakers voted in favor of the measure. Others tell WCBI they only approve of medical marijuana.

Holland says one-third of Mississippi’s prison population is in for marijuana related charges. Their average age is 22.

“Our prison system is now costing us three times more than our entire 15 community colleges cost us. Over a marijuana cigarette? Come on,” Holland said.

Though the measure failed this time, Holland says he’ll continue to bring up the issue as long as he’s in the legislature.