Does the background check have to be conducted by the MS State Department of Health?

Yes

1. You may have your fingerprint card completed by a local law enforcement entity. Please note that some local law enforcement agencies do charge a separate fee for this process. Please contact your local law enforcement agency for additional information.
2. Once the fingerprint card is completed, you must mail it to the MSDH Fingerprint Unit at the address mentioned above. Your fingerprints will be submitted through state and federal databases to determine whether you have been convicted of a disqualifying federal offense as defined by the Medical Cannabis Act. See Miss. Code Ann. §§ 41-137-3(q) and 97-3-2.