A Thanksgiving Special with the LA Medical Marijuana Program

The community of Baton Rouge recently came together to celebrate a special holiday giveaway and to learn more about the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program. Hosted at Southern University’s Mini Dome F.G. Clark Activity Center on November 18, 2023, from 12 pm-3 pm, this event aimed to spread holiday cheer and inform attendees about the benefits of medical marijuana. The Southern Digest Newspaper joined in on the festivities, speaking with various individuals to capture their experiences and insights. The event was made possible through the collaboration of several organizations, including Ilera Holistic Healthcare, SU Agriculture Center, and Capitol Wellness Solutions, with special guest Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. One of the key aspects of the event was to provide information about the LA Medical Marijuana Program. Dr. Rome Sherrod III, who provides recommendations for patients at Capitol Wellness Solutions, highlighted the process for obtaining medical marijuana. He explained that patients can discuss their health issues during a 10-minute interview, after which they can directly visit the dispensary to retrieve their medication and offer his services free of charge for the first 30 days, allowing qualifying patients to explore different products and find the relief they need.
The Thanksgiving Special Giveaway also provided an opportunity for Southern University students to give back to the community. MANNERS Student Volunteers all gathered to pass out chickens and plenty of good food to the community. Christian Jacobs, a Junior majoring in Agriculture Business and a member of multiple organizations, expressed his motivation for participating in the event. “My desire to engage with people in the community helps spread holiday cheer by making sure we provide meals to those in need.” Sterling Brown, another Junior majoring in Agriculture Business, also emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He acknowledged the support the community provides to Southern University and emphasized the positive impact of reciprocating that support. Dr. Janana Snowden, the Director of the Medicinal Plant Institute at Southern University, organized the event and provided valuable insights into its significance.
She considered the engagement of community members of all ages as a highlight. Dr. Snowden noted that the event not only showcased Southern University’s Medical Marijuana Program but also educated attendees about the program’s workings and benefits. “We’re working to remove the negative stigma associated with the cannabis plant that has plagued our communities for generations one person at a time.” The Thanksgiving Special Giveaway and LA Medical Marijuana Program event held at Southern University Mini Dome was a tremendous success. The community of Baton Rouge came together to provide meals to those in need and learn about the benefits of the medical marijuana program.