Does Louisiana have a recreational use program?

No, recreational use is not legal in Louisiana. 

Does Louisiana have a medical program?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Louisiana. Louisiana’s first medical marijuana law, Act 725, was passed in 1978, but there was no legal marijuana product on the market at the time.

It was only in the year 2015 that the state passed a law making the sale of marijuana fully legal.

What are the rules for medical use?

Medical cannabis can only be bought at state-licensed dispensaries by people who are eligible and registered in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program. Additionally, House Bill 696 lets people who qualify for medical cannabis get recommendations from doctors online through telemedicine services.

The medical marijuana program in Louisiana is only open to people who live in the state. The Louisiana Therapeutic Marijuana Program does not give out medical marijuana cards, but patients who qualify must show proof that they live in Louisiana to be accepted into the program.

People in Louisiana under the age of 18 who are eligible for medical marijuana cannot apply for their medical marijuana certificates. Their legal guardians or parents, who will be taking care of them, are the only ones who can get them medical cannabis approval.

According to Louisiana law, people who need medical marijuana can’t grow their own cannabis. Medical marijuana dispensaries licensed by the state are the only legal way for them to get cannabis.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for eligibility?

• Spasticity
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Seizure disorders
• Multiple sclerosis
• PTSD
• Traumatic brain injury
• Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia and sickle cell disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Severe muscle spasms
• Intractable pain
• Neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as:
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Parkison’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Huntington’s disease

What are the medical program limits?

A medical marijuana certificate in Louisiana lets patients who qualify buy up to 30 days’ worth of medical cannabis, as long as it’s in a dose that their doctor approves.

What methods of use are permitted under the medical program?

Medical marijuana that can be smoked or ingested is legal in Louisiana, but vapes are not. Qualified patients may also use a metered-dose inhaler.

Is there home delivery for medical cannabis?

The Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program only lets qualified medical cannabis users get medical marijuana delivered. However, state-licensed marijuana pharmacies have to check patients’ IDs and medical prescriptions before they deliver marijuana orders.

In Louisiana, it is illegal to use or transport marijuana for recreational purposes.

Is CBD legal in Louisiana?

Yes, CBD is legal in Louisiana.

Louisiana law states that registered medical marijuana patients could use CBD derived from marijuana.

CBD derived from hemp is also allowed for all adults in Louisiana. The Louisiana Hemp Law made it legal for people in Louisiana to use hemp and products made from hemp that have less than 0.3% THC.

Is cannabis decriminalized in Louisiana?

Yes, cannabis is decriminalized in Louisiana.

In 2021, the state decriminalized the possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, and the maximum fine was lowered to $100. If you are caught with more than 14 grams of marijuana or doing other illegal cannabis activities in the state, you could face fines or jail time, based on how much cannabis you are caught with.