Southern University and A&M College, the largest historically black university in Louisiana, has made its mark in a major way with the launch of its own hemp-derived CBD product: ALAFIA.
Southern is the first historically black university to launch a hemp product line. The CBD will be available at dispensaries in Louisiana as well as other retail locations. In addition, ALAFIA is available nationwide for sale and distribution. Leaders from both organizations held a press conference and ribbon cutting at H&W Drug Store Dispensary in New Orleans and witnessed the first purchase of ALAFIA.
According to Forbes, ALAFIA, which comes from a Yoruba language meaning “inner peace,” is a result of a partnership between the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge and Ilera Holistic Healthcare.
“This is an exciting time for healthcare and business here in the state of Louisiana, and Southern University is honored to be a part of it all,” said Ray L. Belton, president of the Southern University System. “Southern has been a leader in agriculture and the sciences for 140 years while staying true to its mission of access. This CBD venture with Ilera encompasses all of that. We look forward to advancing this vision and serving as a model for other universities.”
Since the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, or the Farm Bill was passed, hemp-derived CBD is legal for sale in all 50 states. ALAFIA — which means ‘inner peace’ in the Yoruba language — is scientifically formulated, lab tested and pesticide free. “We are excited about the launch of ALAFIA,” said Osagie Imasogie, chairman of Ilera Holistic Healthcare. “Our team created a superior hemp derived product with patients in mind. We are proud of this partnership with Southern and look forward to announcing the next phase of this groundbreaking rollout.”
