Seeing Green: SU Medical Marijuana close to production

Two representatives from the team working with Ilera Holistic Healthcare to operate Southern’s medical marijuana plant provided an update during the SU System Board of Supervisors meeting last Friday at the J.S. Clark Administration Building.
“We have been working and meeting very frequently and working diligently to make sure we have a sustainable program for years to come,” said Executive Director of the Medical Marijuana Program, Janana Snowden.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Affairs and External Engagement of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Dr. Calvin Walker presented Snowden and colleague Dr. Chandra Canacee to the board, who primarily spoke on the project updates.
Canacee shared that the initial environmental phase is completed, with the proper facilities being secured and a successful cleanout of the properties.
Last week, the East Baton Rouge Planning Commission supported rezoning 2,000 feet of the acquired Plank Road site, described by Congressional District 2 Board Member Dr. Leroy Davis as “an old milk processing plant,” under the condition that a 500-foot barrier is established between residents and the facility. Construction is set to begin in May, with clones to be available by early summer, and products set to hit the market between late summer and early August.
“We have been moving what I would consider in the scope of medical marijuana industry at lightning speed,” said Canacee.
In terms of promotion, a website and brochures are being finalized to help distribute information about the resources provided by the plant to physicians, pharmacies, and patients alike.
Canacee also detailed the importance of making sure local and state legislatives understand the importance of medical marijuana. Local businesses are already looking forward to the addition to the community.
Since being recognized as Southern’s medical marijuana partner after buying a majority of Advanced Biometrics last November, Ilera Holistic Healthcare has already paid SU more than $2 million. During the presentation, it was also clarified that although production will take place in a temporary location, there are plans to construct a new 67,000 square foot permanent facility.