'Great day for patients': LSU gets OK for cannabis crop

A major breakthrough in Louisiana's medical marijuana program Friday may mean patients may be able to access the long-awaited medicine by summer.

On Friday Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain said the LSU Ag Center and its private partner GB Sciences can move forward with full production at its main facility in Baton Rouge.

“The LSU AgCenter and GB Sciences Louisiana have worked diligently on this initiative since GB’s selection in September 2017," said Bill Richardson, LSU's vice president of agriculture. "We are very happy to have this milestone completed, and we look forward to getting this much-need product out to the patients of Louisiana.”

Strain, the program's regulator, and the LSU AgCenter have been at odds for months in a feud that escalated during the past few weeks when Strain accused the AgCenter of breaking the law by progressing without his blessing.

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But on Friday, Strain said the Louisiana State Police had finally completed the required suitability background investigation of both the LSU AgCenter and GB Sciences, which had been the sticking point.

"Therefore, GB Sciences is now authorized to proceed moving into the main facility the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and GB Sciences will use to grow medical marijuana," Strain's office said in a press release.

“This is a great day for patients,” said John Davis, GB Sciences Louisiana president. “Full-scale operations means a consistent and continuous supply of medical cannabis. We are thrilled to move into our main facilities.”

Strain's staff will conduct an inspection of the main growing and manufacturing facility Wednesday with the assistance of staff from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Once Strain's agency receives a final product from GB Sciences, a random sample will be tested in the agency's lab.

If the product passes the testing "for homogeneity and the potency is deemed free of contaminants, it will be ready for distribution through nine pharmacies," the agency said in a press release.

The LSU AgCenter and Southern AgCenter are the only authorized growers under state law. Southern's progress has lagged LSU's after early issues with its original partner. 

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1