Marijuana Business Magazine September 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | September 2019 34 Industry Developments | International & State Louisiana The state launched medical cannabis sales after years of waiting, but market growth is expected to prove constrained because of bans on smokable flower and vaporizers, high prices and various regulations. Because of the delays,  Marijuana Business Daily projects sales this year will reach only $1 million- $1.5 million. Randy Mire, founder and CEO of Capitol Wellness Solutions in Baton Rouge, said his dispensary recorded the first sales to patients in the state Aug. 6. At least two other dispensaries, Hope Pharmacy in Shreveport and Willow Phar- macy in Madisonville, were expected to begin sales by appointment. Louisiana’s program has a total of nine dispensaries statewide. Massachusetts A recreational cannabis store opened on Nantucket Island, the first to conduct business off the Massachusetts mainland as the young market continues expanding. The Green Lady Dispensary opened Aug. 11, on an appointment-only basis, after receiving approval to operate from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission. Massachusetts voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, but MJ businesses faced additional obstacles to opening off the mainland because it remains illegal to transport marijuana through federal waters or fly it there. LIQUID NITROGEN DOSING regardless of your package or closure preference • Purge Oxygen • Extend Shelf-Life vacuumbarrier.com | 781-933-3570