Louisiana State University To Grow Medical Marijuana

Louisiana State University Applies For Medical Marijuana License

A state-mandated initiative to grow marijuana and process it has prompted LSU to get involved in medical marijuana. Details of the project were unveiled Friday (Oct. 28) at a public forum on the LSU campus.

Louisiana is one of 25 states, plus the District of Columbia, with laws that provide protocols for medical marijuana production and use. The medical marijuana law, known as the Alison Neustrom Act, allows people with qualifying illnesses to obtain a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana. The LSU AgCenter, The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, recently opted in to be licensed by the state as the official production facility for medical marijuana.

Lousiana’s Medical Marijuana

An estimated 1,441, people or .25 percent, of Louisiana residents living with certain conditions could use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation.

“I’m very excited for the future. And I’m very excited for all the people this medicine can help,” A mother and advocate said after the bill signing.

The governor understand the law will have a positive effect on Louisiana’s families.

“It simply is unacceptable to tell parents of kids especially that if they want to make available to their kids the medicine that is being recommended by their doctors in order to achieve some better quality of life, some reduction in pain or other symptoms, that they have to move,” Edwards said.

The Louisiana medical marijuana law covers conditions such as; HIV, cancer, wasting syndrome, spasticity, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease and epilepsy

What are LSU’s Plans?

“The process will take a raw plant and extract oils to create a final, medical-grade product. The LSU AgCenter is excited about developing a medical grade product that will help people manage their medical issues,” said LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson.

The University says funds for the project will come from A private entity, which has not yet been selected. The undecided entity will finance and carry out the operation through an agreement with the AgCenter. The University will eventually hire horticulturalists, chemists and lab technicians, for the project.  The university stated that they will require a budget of about $1.3 million for the first year.

The University is planning on renovating  an existing 15,000 sq. ftoff-campus warehouse.The warehouse will house the Laboratory and  grow facility, with a security system, lights  and irrigation equipment. Estimates for renovation are at the $6 million dollar mark.

Strict guidelines have been set by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. Including security at the facility,  production and formulation. Off duty law enforcement officers will secure the facility, which will also be under video surveillance, at all times.

To Learn more Visit: The Louisiana Therapeutic Marijuana page