La. pharmacies create association for suppliers of medical marijuana

A new trade association has been established in Baton Rouge to “advocate and support Louisiana’s new medical marijuana and plant-based industry.”
The Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives , or LATA, was formed by the nine marijuana pharmacies that are licensed to do business in Louisiana.
“We needed to speak with one voice and work to educate doctors, patients, lawmakers, and regulators about this industry”, said LATA President Doug Boudreaux. “We have seen the need to educate all the players in this new world of alternative treatments. Doctors and patients need to be educated on the process and how this new delivery system will work.”
He added that the association will conduct outreach to physicians, patients, growers and pharmacies.
“This is a new industry in Louisiana with a lot of regulation and moving parts, we still have some kinks to work out as with any new industry that is arriving in the state,” said LATA Executive Director Jesse McCormick. “LSU and Southern University are the only two licensed growers in the state and it makes sense to have constant dialog with the growers on product amounts and different strains of product. It also is in our best interest to share results and data between doctors and pharmacist to help with dosing and delivery methods to the patients and this new association will accomplish that.”

No stopping for Scalise
With the shift in power on Capitol Hill, Congressman Steve Scalise has gone from being the majority whip to the minority whip, but the aggressive politico from Jefferson Parish hasn’t missed a step.
In an interview with LaPolitics during Washington Mardi Gras two weeks ago, Scalise said his team has already targeted at least 18 U.S. House districts they believe can be recaptured by the Republicans during the 2020 congressional elections.
For his part, Scalise, a master recruiter and fundraiser, is already hitting the road to lay the groundwork. It’s the same kind of approach to policy and politics that landed Scalise in the leadership, and it could catapult him even higher should his party win back the majority next year.
While is mapping out a path to victory for national Republicans, Scalise still will be helping elect conservative members to the Louisiana Legislature.
While Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority, attempting get more like-minded legislators elected, Scalise said he’s interested in offering assistance wherever possible.
“I’m looking to get more involved, and want to assist Jeff wherever I can,” said Scalise. “I think there are a lot of great-looking opportunities out there when it comes to the Legislature.”

Landry hosts Trump hotel event
With much of Louisiana’s political class in there Beltway for the recent Washington Mardi Gras, Attorney General Jeff Landry took advantage of the opportunity and hosted a well-attended fundraiser at President Donald Trump’s downtown hotel that bears his name.
U.S. Sens. Mike Lee and John Kennedy, along with Minority Whip Steve Scalise, praised Landry in remarks to the crowd, with more than one speaker using the word “fearless.” For his part, Lee said he wished Landry “could be cloned, so he could be here in DC and in Louisiana at the same time.”
Landry was not the only Bayou State elected official to hold an event at the Trump Hotel. House Speaker Taylor Barras, House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto hosted a joint fundraiser there as well.

They said it
“I don’t think so.” —Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, on running for president, on CNN
“If we don’t do something about the cost of health insurance in this country, the voters are gonna go medieval on us, and they should.” —U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, on rising healthcare costs, on CNN
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Alford and Rabalais on Twitter via @LaPoliticsNow.