The LSU and Southern University Agricultural Centers may soon be the first sole growers of medical marijuana in the state. 
Under a new law passed in 2015, the AgCenters were granted the first right of refusal to be able to grow and produce medical marijuana. The law made Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain the chief regulator. 
“I have written the rules,” Strain said. “These rules will govern and regulate the production and processing of growing medical marijuana.” 
Strain said that the biggest concern for him right now is to find a place for the AgCenters to be able to grow the crop. This is his most difficult task. 
“You’re still looking at a couple of years before the product is available because we have to design and build production facilities,” Strain said.
The commissioner also stated that the growing and processing areas would be kept separate. 
“Currently what we envision is that it will be here in Baton Rouge because LSU and Southern will more than likely enter into a joint venture,” Strain said.
Despite the delay, Strain already laid out plans for the dispersal of the medicinal drug. The state will determine 10 pharmacy locations for the distribution of medical marijuana. The product will be used to treat glaucoma and cancer chemotherapy patients.
The medical marijuana will not be smoked and will most likely take the form of a powder. The AgCenters are charged with removing tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the component that gives users a “high” feeling. 
But even without the addictive parts, medical marijuana is still a Schedule One drug – meaning it’s on the same level as heroin.
“It is our hope that it will be moved to a Schedule Two,” Strain said. “In this way, it is a controlled substance that can only be utilized on or by the written prescription of a physician.”
Strain and his committee must find different ways of making medical marijuana safe to use for sick patients before the AgCenters accept their rights to begin the growing process. But the wait isn’t stopping LSU students from being excited.
“I completely support it,” LSU Freshman Devon King exclaimed.
 King has advocated for all states to legalize the production and distribution of marijuana. He said the benefits from the medical side can be extraordinary.
“It’s proven to be able to help alleviate patients’ symptoms and improve their health,” King said. “I think it’s a valid option treating many illnesses and it’s important to realize its medical value in helping our sick.”