A lawsuit by a would-be medical cannabis dispensary could delay sales in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to a WVUE report, RX Greenhouse has sued the state Board of Pharmacy over their decision to give the city contract to H&W Drug Store, which was ranked fourth – RX Greenhouse was ranked first.
H&W has been in business in New Orleans for 50 years while the owner of RX Greenhouse is based in Maryland. The lawsuit contends that the Pharmacy Board “improperly issued a medical marijuana license” to an “unqualified” license holder. They claim that the decision does not just effect RX Greenhouse but also the medical cannabis patients of New Orleans. The suit seeks to have the decision vacated.
There are just 10 medical cannabis dispensary licenses for the entire state. Alex Onstott, attorney for RX Greenhouse, said the city should restart the application process.
“It doesn’t pass the smell test. We need to know if you have a rationality for doing this. We don’t see one, and if there wasn’t, then that decision should be vacated.” – Onstott to WVUE
Medical cannabis sales are expected to commence in fall 2018. Smokable products are not allowed under Louisiana‘s state regime. Patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, cachexia, and epilepsy are able to register for medical cannabis use.