Patients in the US state of Louisiana will be able to access medical cannabis after health watchdogs gave a green light to state-sanctioned growers.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has finished testing the batch and it will reach patients this week, reports local broadcaster KALB.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain announced GB Sciences, a state-sanctioned grower, can start supplying the state’s nine registered dispensaries.

He said: “We are pleased to announce that LSU-GBSL’s final medical marijuana product has passed all testing and is cleared for immediate release to the medical marijuana pharmacies.

“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with LSU-GBSL and SU-ADB/ILERA as we move into the next phase of the programme.

“We also want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly from inception through production and testing to make this a reality.”

The agency tested the product for homogeneity, potency and contaminants.

“This is a great day for patients,” said GB Sciences Louisiana President John Davis.

“Full-scale operations means a consistent and continuous supply of medical cannabis. We are thrilled to move into our main facilities.”

The supply of medical cannabis has been pushed back a number of times since lawmakers authorised the drug for medicinal use in 2015.

Davis told Louisiana newspaper The Advocate he anticipates between 5,000 and 10,000 patients will request the drug, but between 100,000 and 150,000 patients will seek it out as awareness and supply grows.

Patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, cachexia, seizure disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, severe muscle spasms, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, Crohn’s disease and muscular dystrophy will have access to medical cannabis.