HSW CC

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.

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'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.