RDCSB228 4465 3277
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 228 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session McMath
Present law identifies the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU) and the
Southern University Agricultural Center (SU) as the licensed producers of marijuana for
therapeutic use in the state.
Present law authorizes each university to contract with one contractor to produce therapeutic
marijuana.
Proposed law removes the universities as the licensees and transfers the licenses to the two
contractors who had contracts with the universities on January 1, 2024.
Proposed law establishes procedures for the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to renew
or revoke the licenses including all of the following:
1. The licenses issued by LDH shall be issued to the entities that are currently under
contract with LSU and SU.
2. The licenses shall be renewed each year to the licensee unless the licensee fails to
follow renewal procedure, or the licensee voluntarily returns or remits to their
license.
3. If a new license is issued, it shall be awarded through a competitive bid process.
Present law establishes a sunset provision for the therapeutic marijuana program to terminate
on January 1, 2025.
Proposed law extends the termination date to July 1, 2030.
Present law establishes a seven percent fee collected from the gross sales of therapeutic
marijuana and provides for the dedication of the funds collected from the fee.
Proposed law changes the dedication of the funds.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 28:826(B)(1) and (2)(c) and (C)(1)(b) and R.S. 40:1046(H) and (L),
1046.2(A), 1046.2(B)(intro para), 1046.2(B)(1)(intro para), 1046.2(B)(1)(a)(intro para),
1046.2(B)(1)(b) - (e), and (B)(2)(a), (C)(1), 1046.2(C)(2)(intro para), and 1046.2(C)(2)(a)
and (c), 1046.2(D)(intro para), 1046.2(D)(1)(intro para), and 1046.2(D)(2), (4), and (5),
1046.2(E) and 1046.2(E)(1), 1046.2(F)(intro para), 1046.2(F)(1), 1046.2(F)(2)(intro para),
and 1046.2(F)(2)(b) and (3), (G), (H)(1) and (2) and 1046.2(H)(3)(intro para), and
1046.2(I)(intro para), 1046.2(I)(1)(intro para), and 1046.2(I)(1)(a) and (b), (2), and (3), and
1046.4(A)(1) and (3) and (C)(1) and (2); repeals R.S. 28:826(B)(2)(d) and (C)(1)(c))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill
1. Removes the LSU Ag Center and Southern Ag Center as the two therapeutic
marijuana licensees and transfers the licenses to the current contractors,
effective July 1, 2024.
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2. Provides for procedures for the Louisiana Department of Health to renew or
revoke the licenses.
3. Changes the allocation of funds collected from the 7% fee collected on the
gross sale of therapeutic marijuana.
4. Makes technical changes.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Make technical corrections.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the reengrossed bill:
1. Remove a provision allocating funds collected from the 7% fee collected on the
gross sale of therapeutic marijuana.
2. Remove a provision terminating the agreements between the La. State University
Agricultural Center and Southern University Agricultural Center and contractors
selected to produce therapeutic marijuana.
3. Make technical changes.
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