Avenues Recovery, an addiction rehab center in Louisiana, would like to discuss the progression of the medical marijuana industry in the state. On September 20, 2024, thousands of eager customers descended on O'Neal Lane in Baton Rouge to celebrate the grand opening of Cookies, a new medical marijuana dispensary. The event caused significant traffic backups along O'Neal Lane and the nearby Interstate 12, as more than 2,000 people gathered in anticipation, with many lining up at the neighboring AMC Baton Rouge 16 movie theater parking lot.
Cookies, a globally recognized brand in the medical cannabis market, partnered with Capitol Wellness Solutions, Baton Rouge’s sole legal marijuana distributor, to open this new dispensary at 1940 O'Neal Lane. With the addition of the Baton Rouge store, Cookies now boasts 77 locations worldwide. The company was founded by rapper and entrepreneur Berner, who attended the grand opening, adding to the excitement with live music and retail tents.
Berner, whose real name is Gilbert Milam Jr., expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion into Louisiana. “Anywhere the markets open up, we want to be there,” he said. “It made complete sense to move forward with this.”
The WBRZ 2 news site reported that the grand opening kicked off at 10 a.m., with doctors on-site to offer medical cards to eligible patients at a discounted rate of $25, compared to the usual price of $49. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia qualified individuals for the medical marijuana program. Capitol Wellness Solutions CEO Randy Mire highlighted the benefits of medical cannabis as a safer alternative to traditional painkillers and sleep aids.
“Many patients prefer smoking or vaping because of the quick onset of relief,” Mire said. “However, for those who don’t want to smoke, options like edibles provide a safe and effective way to manage symptoms.”
In Louisiana, licensed medical doctors in good standing with the state's Board of Medical Examiners have been able to recommend medical marijuana since August 2020. Patients interested in obtaining a medical card can still sign up through Capitol Wellness’ website.
Capitol Wellness Solutions has been a pioneer in Louisiana’s medical marijuana industry, opening the state’s first dispensary in 2019. The new partnership with Cookies will help expand Baton Rouge's access to medical marijuana, with another location already operating on Picardy Avenue and a third slated to open soon in Gonzales on Airline Highway. All products sold at the new dispensary are grown by Good Day Farms, with cultivation sites in Ruston and Baton Rouge.
This grand opening marks a significant moment for Baton Rouge's medical marijuana market, as awareness of the program continues to grow and more patients find relief through safe, legal cannabis options.
If you are struggling with an addiction to marijuana or any other substance, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our experienced addiction specialists will help you overcome your addiction with compassion and expertise. Contact us today to begin your journey to sobriety.