Southern
University received the green light to move forward with its medical marijuana
program.
The Southern University Board of
Supervisors approved a contract with Advanced Biomedics LLC during its regularly
scheduled meeting May 25.
Under the agreement, the Southern
University Ag Center will receive more than $6 million over five years. The
University’s contract with Advanced Biomedics will be allowed to automatically renew
for two additional five-year periods unless there is cause to terminate. The
company has also agreed to provide the Center with an additional $1 million
signing bonus for each additional contract term.
Advanced Biomedics LLC will also
support research initiatives through the Southern University Ag Center’s
Southern Institute of Medicinal Plants (SIMP), directed by Janana Snowden.
“This is a momentous event. We are
extremely excited to be able to provide quality medicine for the citizens of
Louisiana,” said Bobby R. Phills, chancellor of the SU Ag Center and dean of
the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences. “This groundbreaking
research opportunity will also provide revenue for the University and economic
development in North Baton Rouge.”
The Southern University Ag Center is
currently awaiting the completion of background checks from the Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry. After this process is completed, the
University plans to construct a facility on a 176-acre plot of land in Baker,
Louisiana. The operation will employ a staff of more than 40 who will be
responsible for growing, manufacturing and distributing pharmaceutical grade
medicines from the cannabis plant.
Products will be available in
dispensaries throughout the state in early 2019.
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