Ayo operates exclusively in Louisiana as a medical cannabis brand, offering scientifically formulated, lab-tested products that combine natural healing properties with modern pharmaceutical standards. The brand produces a comprehensive range of medical cannabis products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topical creams, patches, and vape cartridges.All Ayo products are grown, cultivated, processed, and packaged in Louisiana through state-of-the-art facilities that maintain optimal growing conditions with controlled lighting, precise nutrient management, and regulated environmental factors. The product line includes balanced 1:1 patches for recovery, THC patches for elevated experiences, and specialized formulations targeting pain relief, anxiety, inflammation, and other therapeutic needs.Ayo's partnership with PAX Labs brought advanced inhalation technology to Louisiana patients, featuring the PAX Era Pro platform with dose control, temperature regulation, and comprehensive product tracking. Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party laboratory testing for potency, safety, and quality assurance, including tests for heavy metals, mold, and pesticides.
Founded through a groundbreaking partnership between Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and Ilera Holistic Healthcare, Ayo made history in July 2020 as the first THC medical cannabis brand launched by a historically Black university. This milestone came as Louisiana expanded its medical marijuana program, allowing any licensed physician to recommend cannabis for any debilitating condition.The brand's name "Ayo" means "to share joy" in Yoruba, embodying the spirit of community and holistic wellness. Southern University became the first HBCU to produce both cannabis and hemp products, initially launching the hemp-derived ALAFIA tincture in January 2020 before introducing the THC-focused Ayo line.In May 2021, Ayo achieved another first by partnering with PAX Labs to launch Louisiana's first inhalable cannabis products, including the FREEDOM line specially formulated for veterans. As of 2025, Ilera Holistic Healthcare operates as one of only two licensed medical marijuana manufacturers in Louisiana, with Ayo products distributed through state-licensed therapeutic marijuana pharmacies across Louisiana.
Ayo's mission centers on providing quality medicine for Louisiana citizens through education, research, and outreach, combining holistic wellness with natural healing properties and modern pharmaceutical standards. The brand is committed to making medical cannabis accessible to all patients who need it, regardless of financial barriers.Through their Patient Access to Medicine Program, Ayo ensures that financial obstacles never prevent patients from accessing recommended cannabis treatments. As a Certified Louisiana business, Ayo supports local communities by hiring local talent, contributing to economic stability, and actively engaging with cultural events and social responsibility initiatives.The brand prioritizes safety through strict protocols encompassing every stage from cultivation to final product, ensuring patients receive consistent, effective medicine crafted with care and integrity. Ayo's research foundation through Southern University's Institute for Medicinal Plants continues advancing cannabis science to address health problems affecting communities.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Ayo's unique position as the only cannabis brand backed by an HBCU's research excellence. This groundbreaking partnership between Southern University and Ilera Holistic Healthcare represents genuine innovation in medical cannabis, combining academic rigor with pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing.What sets Ayo apart is their unwavering commitment to Louisiana patients and communities. Their dedication to local sourcing, rigorous safety protocols, and community engagement goes far beyond typical cannabis companies. Every Ayo product is scientifically formulated, lab tested, and pesticide-free, giving patients confidence in their medicine's quality and consistency.Their pioneering work with PAX Labs technology and specialized veteran formulations demonstrates genuine innovation in patient care. For deal-seekers, Ayo offers exceptional value through their Patient Access to Medicine Program and consistent, reliable dosing that eliminates guesswork. When you choose Ayo, you're supporting both cutting-edge cannabis medicine and meaningful social impact in Louisiana.