The first batch of Louisiana's medical marijuana has been cleared by state agriculture regulators for release to pharmacies.
After months of delays getting the product cleared for patients, the head GB Sciences Louisiana said medical marijuana will be released to pharmacies on Tuesday, The first patients can then get access to the drug.
Thursday evening, The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said it completed testing of a random sample of the marijuana tincture, which was produced by LSU and its contractor, GB Sciences.
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said in a statement, "We are pleased to announce that LSU-GBSL's final medical marijuana product has passed all testing and is cleared for immediate release to the medical marijuana pharmacies.”
Strain said he looks forward to working with LSU and Southern University, the only other licensed grower in the state, on the coming phases of each school's marijuana operation.
Thursday's announcement means GB Sciences and LSU are now able to send the marijuana tincture bottles to nine medical marijuana pharmacies in various regions throughout the state. The product will cost between $90 and $200 a bottle at the Baton Rouge pharmacy depending on the formulation.
Lawmakers have backed several changes to the state’s taxes and fees on medical marijuana, passing a bill that excludes the drug from sales tax…