Louisiana's Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the status of medical marijuana production in the state.

A small controversy has arisen regarding the delivery date of the drug to pharmacies around Louisiana. From nola.com:

Louisiana's first medical marijuana crop will take longer than expected to reach patients.

 

GB Sciences, the marijuana grower for the LSU AgCenter, had hoped to provide product to Louisiana's nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacies by September. But the company says the earliest harvest likely will be in November.

 

Agriculture Commission Mike Strain said he isn't trying to stall the process. He said GB Sciences has to finish its operating procedures and complete its background checks with the state police

 

Under a law passed in 2015...Louisiana is allowing therapeutic cannabis to treat a long list of diseases and disorders, such as cancer, epilepsy, intractable pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson's disease. Marijuana can be available in medicinal oils, pills, liquids, sprays and topical applications, but cannot be sold in a form to be smoked.

 

Only the LSU and Southern University agricultural centers can grow medical marijuana. LSU's contractor is further along than Southern's chosen grower.

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