As many of you know, no state in the South has legalized cannabis yet, either for medical or recreational sales. Florida got close last year, but fell short of the 60% needed to pass the bill.
That may change soon, though, as the Louisiana Senate recently voted to legalize a strict Medical Marijuana program. Per Marijuana Business Daily:
“The Louisiana Senate has passed a bill that would allow a small number of dispensaries and one grow site to open in the state, a milestone considering lawmakers shot down similar legislation last year.
The bill now goes to the House for approval. If it passes, Gov. Bobby Jindal has indicated he’ll sign the legislation as long as the market is tightly regulated.
Under the bill, 10 dispensaries would be allowed to open in Louisiana, and they could sell MMJ to patients with glaucoma, spastic quadriplegia and those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, according to NOLA.com.”
The rules, restrictions, and regulations involved with the program seem to be very much up in the air. The bill also has a long way to go through the Louisiana House before being approved. Based on the way it’s currently structured, the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Pharmacy would be making the rules for dispensaries. The bill seems restrictive and not great for a competitive business environment, but any step in the right direction is a great leap forward! Especially in the South.
Come on Louisiana!
