Louisiana House Gives Nod to Medical Marijuana Inhaler Bill

Louisiana’s medical marijuana patients would be able to inhale cannabis, if senators agree to a proposal that won overwhelming support from lawmakers in the House.

Rep. Ted James, a Baton Rouge Democrat, says his bill shouldn’t be seen as an expansion of the medical marijuana program, because it only changes the delivery method for patients. James says the legislation would let therapeutic cannabis patients use an inhaler, like asthma patients use.

The House voted 73-3 for the proposal Tuesday, sending it to the Senate for debate.

Louisiana lawmakers created the framework for dispensing medical marijuana four years ago, but regulatory hurdles and disagreements have slowed getting the product to shelves. One of the state’s two state-sanctioned growers estimates medicinal-grade pot could be available in June.