Louisiana medical marijuana sales could launch in May

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Barring any more unforeseen hurdles, medical cannabis sales in Louisiana might begin as soon as next month.

But before the state gives the greenlight, it needs the all-clear from testing labs.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is holding off on authorizing sales until pesticide tests ensure no MMJ products are contaminated, according to Baton Rouge TV station WAFB.

“We have a goal, everyone has a goal of May,” Mike Strain, the commissioner of the agency, told WAFB.

“If you were just creating a smokable product, then it would still require pesticide testing for sure because that’s what has popped up in other states.”

Strain said he’s hoping the testing will be finished by May 15. It’s not clear how long after that date sales may begin.

One of Louisiana’s early MMJ crops passed muster in February for potency, pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents and heavy metals.

But none of the nine licensed pharmacies authorized to sell MMJ has been given the go-ahead to begin sales.