Southern University plants second medical marijuana crop in Louisiana

Southern University’s medical cannabis grower planted its first marijuana seeds, marking the second MMJ crop planted in the state.

The two crops represent an important step in allowing the fledgling MMJ industry to take root in the state.

Officials of the Baton Rouge university said seeds were planted this week by Ilera Holistic Healthcare.

The school estimates its medical marijuana could be in retailers this fall.

Southern said the growing facility in Baker received the final needed approvals from the state agriculture department, which oversees Louisiana’s medical marijuana program.

The state’s first MMJ crop, supplied by Louisiana State University’s cultivator, is expected to soon be in the hands of MMJ retailers and, thus, patients.

Under a 2015 law, Louisiana lawmakers authorized only the agriculture centers at Southern and LSU to grow medical marijuana, but regulatory disagreements slowed getting the product to shelves.

 – Associated Press