BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – The state’s medical marijuana program was beneath assessment on the Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 16.
Lawmakers acquired updates on this system because it was expanded in January to incorporate smokable hashish. People there hoped to get solutions as to why their medical marijuana remains to be so costly. The individuals supposed to provide these solutions, as an alternative, got here empty handed.
“You understand, it’s the center of February, in order that they don’t actually have numbers to know what flowers achieved. You heard them say within the assembly that they had been afraid to make an announcement about that,” mentioned Rep. Larry Bagley (R), who chairs the Home Well being and Welfare Committee.
It’s been virtually two months since Louisiana’s medical marijuana program was expanded to incorporate uncooked smokable hashish. The enlargement was supposed to assist make the drugs extra inexpensive and accessible. However Wednesday, lawmakers discovered little proof from licensed growers to assist that. In actual fact, the growers, LSU and Southern, by state legislation are alleged to current a report every time they arrive to the Capitol. However, they didn’t have that both.
“We’re responsible as charged on the report, we’ve got no protection,” mentioned Calvin Walker, vice chairman of Southern Universities AG Heart.
“Even when they don’t do the analysis, they’re nonetheless alleged to submit a report, and they didn’t, and we have to see that to know what’s happening,” Rep. Bagley added.
Sufferers mentioned their largest gripe with this system proper now, when it comes to the flower merchandise, is the dearth of high quality, accessibility, and nonetheless the value of medication.
Jacob Gulino makes use of hashish to deal with his anxiousness and PTSD and mentioned the costs are much like different states, however the high quality just isn’t the identical.
“The value is basically excessive for the standard you might be getting. There are lots of states that $50 or $60 eighths is regular, however you’re paying for that premium, that high quality remedy, high quality inputs, and every part that’s going into the flower itself,” mentioned Gulino.
“It’s helped me in quite a few alternative ways from psychological well being, bodily well being, having the ability to sleep or focus. Now the pricing, for an individual who works day by day like I do and works for a dwelling, it’s accessible, however I can positively see how individuals who don’t have a relentless supply of revenue it may be trivial for them to get the product,” mentioned Melissa Do Egito, one other medical marijuana affected person.
Capitol Wellness Options in Baton Rouge say one of many methods they attempt to cut back costs is by providing reductions to sufferers who order on-line. They are saying their cabinets at all times have a product obtainable even when one pressure is quickly out.
“Even when they don’t have the precise pressure that I’ve been wanting, they at all times have the backup that works with what I want,” Egito continued.
Egito mentioned despite the fact that the costs are excessive, understanding the place her drugs is coming from and understanding what goes into rising the plant, just a few further bucks are well worth the comfort.
The committee mentioned by the point they meet once more there ought to be sufficient knowledge to point out how a lot the flower type helps this system.
Rep. Bagley mentioned he even plans to introduce laws to broaden the variety of dispensaries and licensed growers for the state.
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