WDSU Investigates: ‘Growing Concerns’ – LSU shares medical marijuana ‘buds’ with Southern, AG commissioner responds

As of January 1, 2022, smokable marijuana may be recommended to patients in Louisiana for a variety of ailments. Some doctors who can recommend medical marijuana have been claiming for weeks that supplies won’t be there if the smokable version is allowed. “The answer here is that we don’t have enough breeders,” said Dr. Rubin Patel, a doctor , who recommends the drug to patients. Currently, medical marijuana inhalers, gums, and droplets are sold in this state. Many expect demand to surge if the smokable version is legal. “Do you think supply will keep up with demand?” Travers Mackel of WDSU said. “I do, yes,” said Dr. Mike Strain of the Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner. Strain regulates the ever-growing medical marijuana industry. “I think we need to understand aggregate demand,” said Strain State Two Universities Licenses to grow all of the state’s medical marijuana – Louisiana State University and Southern University, both of which credit this work private companies continue. Records from WDSU Investigates show – and Strain confirms – that Southern recently received “buds” from LSU in April and again in May, and it is legal – it just needs to be entered into a tracking system, “Strain said In a written statement, Southern’s growing partner, Ilera Holistic Healthcare, said: “Southern University, Ilera Holistic Healthcare, Louisiana State University and Wellcana are continuously working together to find creative ways to best serve Louisiana’s patients. We are always ready to explore ways to work with other companies as long as the outcome is best for patients. However, we as a company are not free to discuss any particular transactions, we do not dispute public records. “The LSU partner also referred to the transaction.” Companies in every industry cooperate very often, especially this one, “said John Davis, Wellcana CEO. But doctors who say this type of activity – the two growers share resources – only reinforce their argument that the state needs more growers. “We can’t keep up with demand,” said Patel. Ilera Holistic Healthcare added, “Ilera Holistic has always emphasized that our primary commitment is to meet the needs of our patients in Louisiana, and we share that commitment with our colleagues at Louisiana State University and Wellcana. Patients first Setting up a job creates a spirit of collaboration, and as the patient market grows, so must we. IHH sets an example We are currently completing our new Medibles manufacturing facility to bring our first gelatine chew products to market shortly, while we continue to supply our MDIs (Metered Dose Inhalers), tinctures and topicals. We have moved into our new cultivation facility which will expand our capabilities as we prepare for the first sale of smokable flowers in January 2022. ”