Southern University selects Medical Marijuana Cultivator

Photo by Chris Rogers, SU Ag Center.

Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University has selected Lafayette based Advanced Biomedics, LLC as the University’s medical marijuana cultivation and production facility operator. The decision was voted on by the University’s Board of Supervisors during its Sept. 22 board meeting.

"Today the Board has voted to affirm the work invested by the Ag Center and the Medical Marijuana Review Committee to select a vendor for our historic medical marijuana initiative. We are excited about the opportunity to enter into this venture that has the potential to bring health benefits to improve lives and also to build into a successful enterprise for Southern University," said Ann. A. Smith, Chair of the SU Board of Supervisors.

Advanced Biomedics, LLC will produce pharmaceutical grade medicines from marijuana plants, under Southern University’s license, for patients suffering from Cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia or wasting syndrome, seizure disorders, epilepsy, spasticity, Crohn's disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.

“This is a great day for Southern University and HBCUs across the country,” said Dr. Bobby R. Phills, Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture.

The University’s evaluation committee has worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners throughout the process.

Stringent guidelines for doctors to recommend the medication has been developed by the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners.

The medication will be provided to patients in the form of oils, pills, powders, gelatin-based chewables and other non-inhalable forms.

Under the proposed agreement, the Southern University Ag Center will receive more than $6 million over 5 years.  Advanced Biomedics, LLC will also support research initiatives through the Southern University Ag Center’s Southern Institute of Medicinal Plants (SIMP).

“The research conducted at SIMP will focus on enhancing the knowledge base of plants and their potential of therapeutic effects and medical uses on human health,” said Dr. Janana Snowden, Director of SIMP.

No taxpayer dollars will be spent on the program. For additional information about Southern University’s Medical Marijuana Program visit, http://www.suagcenter.com/PageDisplay.asp?p1=12549.