NOLA Cannabis Company (formerly H & W Drug Store) operates as the exclusive medical marijuana dispensary serving Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines parishes in Louisiana's Region 1. The company maintains two dispensary locations: the flagship Tchoupitoulas Street location in New Orleans and a Veterans Boulevard facility in Metairie.Their product portfolio includes premium flower strains like Banana MAC, Gelato #42, and Jenny Kush, alongside a comprehensive selection of edibles, concentrates, vaporizers, topicals, and tinctures. All products undergo rigorous laboratory testing to ensure efficacy and safety.Initially serving patients with specific qualifying conditions like PTSD, epilepsy, and chronic pain, the program expanded significantly in August 2020 when Louisiana allowed any licensed physician to recommend medical marijuana for any debilitating condition. This expansion dramatically broadened access to therapeutic cannabis for Louisiana patients.The company bridges traditional pharmaceutical expertise with modern cannabis medicine, offering both recreational-style products and pharmaceutical-grade formulations.
H & W Drug Store began its journey in 1963 when Sterling J. Henry, Sr. and Wesley J. Watkins opened their first pharmacy in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. For over 50 years, this locally-owned business has been serving the New Orleans community through challenges and triumphs.After Hurricane Katrina temporarily closed their doors in 2005, H & W demonstrated remarkable resilience by reopening in 2011. The company expanded strategically, opening locations in Marrero (2014) and the iconic Circle Food Store (2020).In 2017, H & W embarked on a groundbreaking new chapter, entering Louisiana's medical marijuana industry. After a highly competitive selection process, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy chose H & W to operate the first medical marijuana pharmacy in the New Orleans metropolitan region. On August 12, 2019, they opened the area's only medical marijuana dispensary, now operating as NOLA Cannabis Company while maintaining their pharmaceutical heritage.
H & W's mission centers on providing patients with the best pharmaceutical healthcare available, staying true to their long tradition of fast, friendly, and courteous service. They are committed to offering quality care for patients seeking alternative holistic treatment options.As Louisiana's cannabis pioneers, they focus on education and patient empowerment, helping individuals navigate the state's medical marijuana program with professional guidance. Their pharmaceutical background ensures patients receive knowledgeable support in selecting appropriate products for their specific medical conditions.The company remains dedicated to serving the New Orleans community that supported them for over five decades, particularly emphasizing compassionate care for patients with debilitating medical conditions. They advocate for expanded access to medical cannabis while maintaining the highest standards of pharmaceutical practice and regulatory compliance.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by NOLA Cannabis Company's unique combination of deep pharmaceutical expertise and cannabis innovation. Their 60+ year legacy in traditional pharmacy gives them an unmatched understanding of patient care and medication management – something rare in the cannabis industry.What sets them apart is their pioneering spirit and community resilience. Being Louisiana's first medical marijuana dispensary in the New Orleans metro area required courage and vision, especially for a family business with such deep local roots. Their ability to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and then successfully transition into cannabis shows remarkable adaptability.For deal-seekers, this means shopping with a brand that prioritizes quality and patient education over quick profits. Their pharmaceutical background ensures consistent, lab-tested products, while their local ownership means genuine community investment. When you choose NOLA Cannabis Company, you're supporting Louisiana cannabis history and getting products backed by six decades of healthcare expertise.