After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded to state regulators for medical marijuana to be available by May 15th. It was almost four years ago when the state legislature approved the framework for dispensing and LATA executive director Jesse McCormick said it’s time for the product to hit the shelves.
“When can’t operate without a hard date. Nobody in the private sector can do that, because you can’t plan a critical plan and you can’t execute it,” said McCormick.
The LATA group made their request at a stakeholders meeting that involved the licensed pharmacists, the contracted growers and state ag commissioner Mike Strain. G-B Sciences is working with LSU on growing medicinal pot and they say a first batch could be available in May and McCormick said that’s good to hear.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed. We think everyone is on the same team and we’re hoping this will kickstart some real change for a real program to get up and running,” said McCormick.
Strain is not willing to commit to the May 15th deadline. He says that’s because it will be up to his office to make sure the product is safe. But McCormick said they believe May 15th is a workable deadline.
“When this started, I didn’t have any kids. I’ve got three now. That’s how long that this thing has been in, so we don’t feel like May 15th is a hard date to hit. They have had a long time to get there,” said McCormick.
