Charlie Greer, a Democrat from central Louisiana, will challenge incumbent Republican Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain in next fall's election.

Greer, who's making a second run at the office, has taken on the advancement of the state's medical marijuana program as a top campaign issue.

The Department of Agriculture regulates medical marijuana, which was legalized years ago but has yet to reach patients.

Greer accuses Strain of dragging his feet in the implementation of the program.

“In 2015, legislation was passed allowing experts at LSU and Southern University to grow and produce medical-grade marijuana,” Greer, of Natchitoches Parish, said in his press release. “But for more than three years, the current commissioner has created roadblocks. When elected, I will work diligently to remove the bureaucracy surrounding the process to produce this vitally important plant-based medicine that patients in Louisiana are legally entitled to.”

Strain has denied impeding the progress of medical cannabis, insisting that he has only been following the law and making sure the growers are doing the same.

Strain recently granted approval for the LSU AgCenter and its partner GB Sciences to move forward with the first crop.

Patients hope to have the medicine available by May 15.

In 2015, Greer finished with 30 percent of the vote, second to Strain's 58 percent.

He is a farmer, rancher and retired from a 20-year career in the Department of Agriculture in 2013. Greer also had a career in law enforcement.

“I’ve given the biggest part of my life to public service and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in the great state of Louisiana,” Greer said. “As your commissioner, I will use my experience, knowledge and leadership to make the department an effective and proactive agency with sufficient manpower and funding so we can better protect and advocate for our consumers, our resources and the hardworking citizens of our state’s diverse agricultural and forestry industry.”

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1