At the Medical Marijuana Commission meeting, lawmakers questioned Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain about timelines for the expansion of medical marijuana products. Kenner Representative Debbie Villio referred to highly detailed rules about testing and regulation and accused the agency of micromanaging.
“I don’t see that that’s about public safety, I see that’s a back and forth that drastically delays product from getting to the grower to the pharmacy,” said Villio.
Strain told Louisiana Radio Network that it’s the legislature that approved the very strict requirements for marijuana because it’s medical grade and is intended to be used by patients who are ill.
“What we have to do is assure that the product is of the highest quality and is absolutely safe,” said Strain.
The most recent expansion by the legislature will allow medical marijuana to be sold in smokeable form beginning in January.
The commission heard from various parties with vested interests in medical marijuana and their frustrations about delays in the regulatory process. Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight acknowledged their concerns.
“Everybody’s here representing their own interest and trying to get a process right. It’s our job up here to take everybody’s interests understand it, take it in and at the end of the day is to make it right for the consumer,” said McKnight.
LSU, Southern University, and their private growing partners are the only approved entities that can legally grow and process marijuana for medical use in the state.
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