11/13/25
A Certificate of Appropriateness (.pdf) was issued by the HDLC today for the abatement of violations that were removed from the 11/5/25 HDLC agenda. Surprisingly, it lists remedial actions for the electrical boxes at the front of the property—which had not been cited as an HDLC violation: “Install new 7′-0” tall opaque wood vertical board equipment screening surrounding existing Entergy meter equipment at front yard. All four sides of equipment must have screening. Paint all portions (except wires) of equipment and stand a dark green color such that its overall prominence and visibility is further reduced. HDLC recommends installing additional quick-growing and hardy planted landscaping at this area to help further reduce the overall visibility of the equipment stand” (emphasis added). Note that the business owners had proposed painting the boxes red—which the HDLC opposed, to their credit. Advocates still maintain that there was no reason to install the Entergy meter equipment at the front of the property—which wasn’t “existing” until about six weeks ago.
11/10/25
Our appeal of the zoning verification of 1407 S. Carrollton was docketed for the 12/8/25 hearing of the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) as ZD 109-25. The public hearing notice for the Dec. 8 meeting was also published today.
11/4/25
The 1407 S. Carrollton item (link to HDLC Staff Report) was removed from the 11/5/25 HDLC Agenda. The HDLC gave these reasons via email: “The applicant has agreed to relocate the roof-mounted equipment approximately 55 FT further back on the roof to minimize/eliminate visibility and has also agreed to remove/relocate the conduit and junction box installed at the entry canopy. Because these proposed corrections are approvable at the staff level, the application no longer requires retention approval.”
A number of written public comments (select the “Documents” tab) were recorded in opposition.
Meanwhile, advocates objected to the installation of new electrical boxes at the front of the property within the three-foot setback on the Jeannette Street side. (The installation was not cited as an HDLC violation.) We complained to Safety & Permits and the HDLC about these electrical boxes in front of 1407 S. Carrollton. (Update: see 11/13/25 entry.)
11/1/25
Here is the HDLC Staff report on the violation at 1407 S. Carrollton, published on Oct. 31, 2025. The item had been scheduled for a hearing by the N.O. HDLC on 11/5/25. It was withdrawn from the Agenda on 11/4/25. (See above.)
10/23/25
The HDLC has cited the property owner for installing electrical equipment at the front of the property without a permit. The property is located in the full-control historic corridor of S. Carrollton Avenue—meaning that it is subject to the design guidelines of the HDLC. Photo 1. Photo 2. (The partial-control Carrollton Historic District is subject to demolition review only.)
10/17/25
A photo of the signage installation (.jpg) by Advocate photographer David Grunfeld appeared on the Advocate website (link to nola.com). It was not attached to a news story.
10/17/25
The company reinstalled the signage this morning. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3.
10/15/25
“MAGA and Marijuana Might Become Best Buds,” The Free Press (published 10/15/25).
10/15/25
Our petition for declaratory and injunctive relief was dismissed without prejudice in Civil District Court, pending a BZA hearing on the Zoning Verification Letter of 2/12/25. On 10/9/25, the Department of Safety and Permits determined that the City had failed properly to publicly notice the letter when it was issued. The 45-day BZA appeal period ends on 11/23/25.
10/14/25
A business license application was filed on OneStop.
10/13/25
A neighborhood information session on ongoing legal action against CREDC Carrollton NOLA, LLC, the owner of 1407 S. Carrollton, took place at Central St. Matthew sanctuary. Meantime, unpermitted work was observed at the site during the day and at night after the meeting.
10/10/25
A Stop Work Order was posted at the 1407 S. Carrollton location of NOLA Cannabis Co. We’re told that the retailer installed the signage without a permit; and removed it without a permit. Photo 1: SWO order notice (detail). Photo 2: orange-colored SWO in context, posted on the red NOLA Cannabis banner; and thus barely visible.
10/9/25
The Department of Safety and Permits determined that the City failed properly to publicly notice the Zoning Verification Letter when it was issued on 2/12/25. (For some reason the city’s paperwork states—incorrectly—that the letter was issued on 2/19/25.) The decision may be appealed to the BZA within 45 days—ending on 11/23/25.
10/9/25
Posted permits have been removed from the 1407 S. Carrollton location of NOLA Cannabis Co. Photo 1. Signage is still down. Photo 2.
10/2/25
A petition for declaratory and injunctive relief was filed at the Civil District Court and docketed as No. 2025-09535, Just Say Nix, LLC, et al., vs. the City of New Orleans. Neighborhood associations CCA, CRNA, and MARI have joined the suit, along with an adjacent neighbor. Plaintiffs allege that the City did not observe the zoning laws in the permitting of the development. Because the commercial use exceeds 5,000 sf in floor area, a conditional use process should obtain (i.e., with neighborhood input) per CZO 12.2.B.1.
10/1/25
The signage has been removed from the 1407 S. Carrollton location.
9/30/25
Lens opinion piece: “Smoke and mirrors in cannabis zoning,” by Betty DiMarco and Lane Trippe. “In New Orleans, marijuana dispensaries — like the one opening soon in our community — can be granted a permit without any neighborhood notice. And in Louisiana, unlike other neighboring states, dispensaries can open up next to a library or a school or a daycare.“
9/20/25
The 1407 S. Carrollton location is tentatively scheduled to open on 11/1/25.
9/16/25
The HDLC posted incident report #25-09834-VIONO detailing violations at 1407 S. Carrollton by NOLA Cannabis Co. An inspection took place on 9/15/25. Open violations: CCNO 84-106: Working without CofA (NO); CCNO 84-106: Signage; and CCNO 84-106: Additional Violation 1. (The “CofA” is the HDLC’s Certificate of Appropriateness.) The HDLC said in an email (9/16/25) that the additional violation consisted of “painting unpainted masonry.” South Carrollton Avenue is a “full-control” HDLC corridor—subject to design guidelines, unlike the rest of the Carrollton Historic District, which (as a partial-control district) is subject only to demolition review. There’s no word yet on whether the size of the sign is too large, as some maintain. A complaint had been filed with HDLC by JSN on 9/13/25. Photo dated 9/12/25.
9/12/25
The NOLA Cannabis Co. signage is up at 1407 S. Carrollton (9/12/25).
9/9/25
The awning at the front of 1407 S. Carrollton was painted bright red yesterday, 9/8/25.
9/5/25
A transcript of the 6/18/25 Zoom meeting between Good Day Farm La. president John B. Davis and neighbors and advocates is now available by permission of the Central Carrollton Association (CCA), who hosted the call.
9/5/25—WSJ
Pot Stocks’ Risky Bet: The IRS Will Chill Out; U.S. cannabis companies hope the government will forgive more than $2 billion in unpaid bills.
9/1/25—NYT
“What’s in the Suitcase: Extra-Strength Cannabis From California to Britain”
“The increased presence of THC in a form of cannabis known as skunk in Britain caused the government to move the drug from the lowest level of illegal categorization, Class C, to Class B in 2009, citing concerns over the “onset of psychotic illness and the increased risk to mental health from the use of stronger cannabis.”
Note: We include this item due to its significance for U.S. policy. Although American cannabis advocates have criticized the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance—so that it is in the same category as heroin, for example—it is also true that marijuana as it is cultivated in 2025 is more potent than it was in 1970, when the Controlled Substances Act was written into law.
8/28/25—Council District A Candidates’ Forum—St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ—1330 S. Carrollton Ave. Neighbors gathered to hear the candidates present their views on issues of the day. One topic was submitted as follows: “I am concerned about the failure of state and city zoning laws to control and regulate unusual uses—like the medical marijuana retailer that was approved at 1407 S. Carrollton with no community input in a location next to a public library, and within 1000 feet of schools and churches. This is the worst example of ‘business supremacy’ in the neighborhoods in recent history. Please comment.” (Judging from the audience’s reaction when this comment was read aloud—many seemed to agree with this opinion.) All candidates agreed that the government failed to regulate the development appropriately. Bob Murrell criticized Boysie Bollinger’s role in the matter; and urged neighbors to picket the business. See photo.
8/25/25
NOLA Cannabis Co. hung a banner at 1407 S. Carrollton Ave.—the first public announcement of the use of the site.
8/24/25—N.O. Advocate
Sunday paper, page A19—”Presented by NOLA Cannabis Co.”: NOLA Cannabis Co. sponsors Gambit‘s “Best of New Orleans” for 2025 in a quarter-page ad. So we can reasonably expect to see NOLA Cannabis Co.’s advertising all over the upcoming issue of Gambit. It’s JSN’s opinion that NOLA Cannabis Co. is already in the business of recreational marijuana—not “medical marijuana.”
8/20/25—NYT
“Richard Lee, Activist Who Founded a Pot ‘University,’ Dies at 62” (8/20/25).
8/17/25—Medscape Medical News
“Cannabis Hard on the Heart and Doubles Risk for CVD Death, Major Study Shows” (6/18/25). “The findings come at a time of increasing cannabis use, driven in part by legalization and the expanding use of cannabis for medical purposes—shifts that may have contributed to more permissive public attitudes toward the drug despite accumulating evidence of potential risk to heart health.”
8/15/25—N.O. Advocate
Guest opinion: Jacob Irving, “Reclassifying cannabis for medical purposes is overdue.” (Download .pdf.) Donald Trump had announced his intention to reclassify cannabis on August 11.
8/12/25—Email with the VCC—phone call to local business
We placed a call to the FQ; and found out NOLA Cannabis Co. is still in violation for illegal signage in Vieux Carré Entertainment (VCE) zoning. Meantime, back at the 1407 S. Carrollton Avenue site, no signage has been posted at all. Not surprisingly, many Carrolltonians are still unaware that a medical cannabis retailer will open at this location.
8/11/25—Gambit
Gambit publishes a “Cannabis Issue.” Lead article: “Louisiana has a long, complicated history with cannabis,” by Matthew Haines.
8/11/25—White House
Donald Trump announces he will reschedule cannabis “within the next few weeks”—probably from Schedule I to Schedule III. This means retailers will be able to write off their business expenses on federal taxes, among other benefits.
8/11/25—Wall Street Journal
“Trump Weighs Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug: The president told donors earlier this month he was interested in reclassifying the drug” (gift link to WSJ article of 8/8/25). Question: Was Boysie Bollinger or another Good Day Farm principal present at $1M/plate donor luncheon?
8/10/25—NYT
“Cannabis Poisonings Are Rising, Mostly Among Kids: As products like weed gummies proliferate, more children and teens are suffering symptoms including seizures and life-threatening breathing problems.”
(It’s simple: potent drugs, whether “medical” or recreational, don’t mix well with children.)
7/28/25—Orleans Parish Tax Assessor
It was noted on 7/28/25 that the owner has paid the 2025 property taxes—a total of $22,317.06. (Balance was still outstanding as late as 7/18/25 for 1407 S. Carrollton, 1403 S. Carrollton, and 8013 Willow.)
7/24/25—La. Dept. of Health
The results of a PRR obtained today from the La. Dept. of Health appear to show that 25 employees will be working at 1407 S. Carrollton per shift. This has obvious implications for parking. The employee number was not mentioned on the June 18 Zoom call with the CCA. (Neither was the number of parking spaces available on-site.) Update at 7/28/25: John Davis has confirmed 4-10 employees per shift; now he states there will be no more than 20 total.
7/23/25—N.O. Advocate
Letters: Not all Carrollton residents oppose dispensary
“The dispensary can only sell cannabis for medical use, by prescription. It is no more dangerous to the neighborhood than a drugstore like Walgreens.”
7/19/25—Indeed.com
Good Day Farm Employee Reviews
7/18/25—OneStop
Mechanical fuel gas permit filed at 1407 S. Carrollton—140′ of Gas Piping, (1) Electric Water Heater, and (3) Gas Furnaces. Contractor: Gallo Mechanical, LLC; construction value: $8,500
7/18/25—Email with the VCC
NOLA Cannabis Co. is still in violation for illegal signage in VCE zoning. The company was cited by the Vieux Carré Commission on 6/2/25 for a signage violation at its 429–433 Bourbon Street location, dba CREDC Bourbon Street, LLC. Violation description: “Banner/signage attached to 2nd floor balcony and must be removed.” Per CZO 24.13.G.3.c.v.: “No sign may be erected above the first floor level of any building”; and per CCNO 166–92(3): “Limitations of display. No signs whatsoever shall be erected above the first floor level of any building.” Photos from 6/2/25.
7/15/25—OneStop
Permanent generator permit issued at 1407 S. Carrollton. Update at 8/16/25: Despite permit issuance on 7/15/25, one review comment is still marked “open”; and there is no sign of the requisite accessory (ACCS) permit. A public records request has been filed with the City.
6/30/25—CCA Blog
NOLA CANNABIS CO REPLY
“In relation to this approved dispensary, it is unclear what Ms. Johnson is suggesting when she says ‘doubles-to-dorms’ development or ‘targeting the transient student.’ As shared during the meeting, the typical qualified patient is a 40-something female based on the more than 50,000 qualified patients who access the medical marijuana program each month across the state.”
6/26/25—Motley Fool
Marijuana Tax Revenue by State: Marijuana can bring in big bucks for state governments
6/24/25—N.O. Advocate
Letters: Cannabis dispensary not welcome in Carrollton
“In a way, the development of the NOLA Cannabis Co. location in Carrollton is very like the development of doubles-to-dorms: A wealthy investor will be capitalizing on the neighborhood’s proximity to the universities, targeting the transient student market to the detriment of the quality of life for long-term residents.”
6/18/25
A transcript of the 6/18/25 Zoom meeting between Good Day Farm La. president John B. Davis and neighbors and advocates is available by permission of the Central Carrollton Association (CCA), who hosted the call.
6/2/25—N.O. Advocate
Three new medical marijuana dispensaries set to open in New Orleans as industry expands
4/30/25—N.O. Advocate
Letters: HB 627 — Louisiana doesn’t need marijuana legalization under false pretenses
“Good Day Farm and other corporate dispensaries stand to benefit from a locked system that freezes out small business owners, local entrepreneurs and minority-owned startups who never get a fair chance to participate. Louisiana lawmakers are, in essence, choosing a few corporations over free market competition and public interest.”
4/22/25—Newsweek
Map Reveals How Much Money Each State Has Made From Legal Marijuana
7/9/24—N.O. Advocate
West Bank to get a marijuana pharmacy as new owners plan rebrand for New Orleans locations
6/3/24—La. Illuminator
Pulling weeds: Legislators make big changes to Louisiana’s cannabis industries
“The law has created a 100% privately-owned duopoly, though the two companies hardly compare in size or market share. No other companies will get a chance to apply for a grower’s license unless either Good Day Farm or Ilera relinquishes theirs. … Good Day Farm has close ties to the lawmakers who have given it a near-exclusive grip on a lucrative niche market. The company’s primary shareholder is shipbuilding magnate Donald ‘Boysie’ Bollinger, one of the wealthiest persons in Louisiana and a major Republican donor. The company’s president is John Davis, husband of state Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge.”
5/27/24—N.O. Advocate
Louisiana’s medical marijuana industry is headed for a major overhaul under new law
“’You’re literally just giving a monopoly to a private company,’ said former state Rep. Joe Marino, a political independent from Gretna who supported legislation to create the medical marijuana program.”
7/24/23—N.O. Advocate
Letters: Good Day for New Orleans industrialist; pot policy a coincidence?
April 2023
Cannabis Program was created at the Louisiana Department of Health.
2/3/23—Lafayette Advertiser
Louisiana’s largest medical marijuana farm doubles weed growing capacity—on Good Day Farm at Ruston, La.
9/23/22—N.O. Advocate
Steve Gleason, Tulane, Warren Riley, more: See who’s vying for Louisiana’s 10th medical marijuana license; 28 applicants seek to enter a booming market
8/29/22—N.O. Advocate
Louisiana set to expand medical marijuana business, allow for new pharmacies: New Orleans region to see another marijuana pharmacy—”Earlier this month, the state Pharmacy Board notified seven of the nine legal marijuana pharmacies in Louisiana that they were eligible to open a “satellite” location. So far, the New Orleans pharmacy is the only one to submit formal plans; H&W Drug Store is seeking permission to open a storefront in Metairie.”
8/1/22
With the passage of HB 697 as Act 491, the number of marijuana pharmacy licenses in Louisiana increases from 10 to 30 as of Oct. 1, 2022.
6/6/15—N.O. Advocate (updated to 2017)
A short history of medical marijuana in Louisiana