Governor Edwards To Decide on Smokable Medical Marijuana

A bill to make smokable marijuana available for Louisiana patients has made its way to Governor Edwards' desk for approval.

The bill has been approved by the Louisiana House and Senate, and now it's up to Gov. Edwards to decide whether or not doctors will be able to prescribe raw, smokable medical marijuana to Louisiana residents. Supporters of the bill say it will give patients a cheaper version of the medicine that is already legal in the state.

GOP State Rep. Tanner Magee of Houma authored the bill. He said the one thing he kept hearing from his constituents was that the current medical marijuana program was not an affordable option for some residents. Magee went on to say a cheaper version was needed to combat the use and/or abuse of highly addictive prescription medicines.

Magee says nothing will change with the regulation and current measures of the Louisiana medical marijuana program. The bill will provide the option for patients to chose the flower version of the medicine.

When asked if he thinks Governor Edwards will sign the bill, Magee said he fully believes Edwards is on board and will sign the bill into law. If approved, the bill will take effect in January of next year.