By Marcelle Fontenot
KATC
In just over six weeks, the Louisiana medical marijuana market is expanding.
Flower, which is the smokable form of marijuana, will be available for medical use starting January 1st. Governor Edwards signed the measure into law in June.
"A lot of thorough work and research and intentionality had to go into producing a flower market because of the negative connotation of cannabis in itself. Education and emerging research show the benefits for patients."
Dr. Chanda Macias is the CEO of Ilera Holistic Healthcare, which is Southern University's contracted grower and manufacturer of medical cannabis, more commonly known as medical marijuana. Macias stands firm that cannabis is not only a vastly un-tapped natural medication but also a way to fight addiction.