Louisiana adds flowers to its medical cannabis program

Patients treated with cannabis in Louisiana will now be able to buy cannabis flowers. This new development at the start of the year has delighted cannabis users. As proof, long lines are forming outside dispensaries in major cities across this southern U.S. state, such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge, according to local media.

Until then, patients in Louisiana had a choice between ‘edibles’ (cannabis-infused food) and sublingual oils. But many complained about this limited selection. For one thing, ‘edibles’ and oils take longer to take effect. It often takes wait an hour or two before feeling the effects. Even though it only takes a few minutes to be stone after smoking a joint.

Second, they felt the price was too high. The authorities therefore decided to expand the medical cannabis program by including flower. Their reasoning was that flower would be less expensive because it does not require industrial processing.

14 euros per gram, «twice the black-market price»

So the flowers hit the shelves on January 1. But patients say it’s still not enough. The main complaint: the price—once again. «They told us it would be cheaper, but it isn't!", complains a resident suffering from pain resulting from a car accident, met by the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. »I’d been waiting a long time to buy some flowers, but they cost almost twice as much as on the black market.”

In fact, dispensaries sell flowers to patients for around $16 (14 euros) per gram. This price can be explained by the strict health standards imposed on medical cannabis producers. But research shows that while the price on the legal market is more than 20 % higher than on the black market, Consumers continue to shop on the street. «When there are more patients and more products, prices will become more affordable.» , promises a store manager.

The lawmaker who spearheaded the authorization to sell the flower to patients is also expressing concern. «Admittedly, it's only the first day of flower sales, but I'm going to keep a close eye on the situation to see if any adjustments are needed.», Tanner Magee told the local newspaper.