Louisiana’s first legal cannabis crop will be planted today after the grower, GB Sciences, and state regulators finally reached an agreement on operations, according to a News Star report. The first crop will be grown in a temporary “exterior pod” custom-built by GB Sciences to meet stringent state regulations. GB Sciences must still obtain approval from Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain to begin full interior production at its facility in Baton Rouge.
“Based upon a very productive meeting with Dr. Strain and the thorough attention to detail from his team we believe we can move forward with production on Friday. … I’m very appreciative of Dr. Strain’s engagement in the process.” — John Davis, President of GB Sciences, in the report
John Davis of GB Sciences, his team and the owners of the state’s nine medical cannabis pharmacies have expressed frustration with the difficulties in achieving regulatory approval of late. Original approval was slated to be given nearly two months ago but there have been a number of bureaucratic and “letter of the law” difficulties.
“It’s become pretty frustrating and illustrates the pace of government and the pace of business operate at two separate speeds. We really need to get moving.” –Greg Morrison, owner of a medical cannabis pharmacy in West Monroe, via The News Star
The first crop is expected to be harvested in November. Cannabis is only allowed to be prescribed in Louisiana as a pill or oil. The “exterior pod” will contain all cannabis from seed to packaged product.