Notorious for its strict marijuana laws, Louisiana is looking at legalized weed as a way to get out of debt. What will happen to its prisoners?

One of the harshest states on pot offenders is reportedly exploring the idea of a recreational marijuana program. Saddled with $850 million in state debts, experts say Louisiana’s move is less motivated by safety as it is by money.

A group of community members are hosting an open forum to hear your opinions and concerns on the legalization of cannabis in the state of Louisiana.

They’re hoping to spark the interest of many to move the topic forward in a statewide vote.

The use of medical marijuana is currently legal in both Louisiana and Texas. However, some Texans want to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes.

Dominick Cappozi represents ‘Legalize Louisiana’ and will be speaking at a forum today to discuss the legalization of cannabis.

“If Texas gets recreational use we’re losing out on untold millions of revenue. We have been for months and months alone,” said Cappozi.

Some lawyers recognize that not all of their clients are capable of paying for legal services in cash. That’s where the bartering system comes in. Say, for example, your house has some faulty wiring and a potential client would like to trade his electrical services for your representation in his divorce. Of course you’re going to take that deal in lieu of money.

Alaska

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in Alaska include:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Multiple sclerosis
• Pain
• Seizures

For a complete list of qualifying conditions and guidelines, please refer to Alaska’s application for medical marijuana registry

Arizona

Qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient in Arizona include:

My 9-year-old daughter, Kalie, has Dravet syndrome, a rare epilepsy syndrome that causes frequent dangerous seizures with debilitating effects. She started having seizures when she was 6 months old, and since then has experienced hundreds of seizures and dozens of hospitalizations.

Despite this, Kalie is a beautiful, happy little girl who tries to keep her disability from defining her, but some days it seems impossible. Every day, twice a day, I give my 45-pound daughter seven different medications to try to suppress her seizures, but they don’t always work. Even when they do prevent her seizures, the medications take their toll with both temporary and persistent side effects, and I can see how she suffers.

This summer, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) signed a bill that significantly decreases criminal penalties for marijuana possession in the state. But for some prisoners already serving time on marijuana charges, the state’s old draconian drug laws continue to apply.

According to The Courier Journal, Louisville local Will Russell was arrested at the Executive Strike & Spare bowling alley for possession of marijuana.

In what could be the plot of a Coen Brothers movie, the founder of Lebowski Fest, an annual party to celebrate the 1998 stoner-bowling movie, was arrested on Saturday… at Lebowski Fest. As the 14th yearly gathering of Dudes and Jesuses and Walters screaming about the rules commenced, the founder of the fest was arrested in the most Lebowski way ever.

Under Louisiana’s recently enacted medical marijuana law, LSU and Southern University AgCenters will get the first crack to grow so-called medical marijuana. But The Advocate reports there could be a small complication, Federal law.

Under a new law the Legislature approved earlier this year, the AgCenters were granted the first right of refusal to hold a state-sanctioned monopoly on production of legal medical marijuana. The monopoly would go by public bid to a single provider if the universities refuse.

The LSU and Southern University Agricultural Centers have been granted first crack at being the sole growers and producers of medical marijuana in Louisiana.

Under a new law the Legislature approved earlier this year, the AgCenters were granted the first right of refusal to hold a state-sanctioned monopoly on production of legal medical marijuana. The monopoly would go by public bid to a single provider if the universities refuse.

States that have legalized medical marijuana and provide it through dispensaries to patients in need are seeing falling rates of deaths due to opiate-based narcotics, according to a study reported on by the website Vox.