The complete guide to cannabis in New Orleans
Last updated on Jan 16, 2025
Created on Jan 15, 2025
Article written by
April AcernoContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher
Whether you’re a New Orleans resident or you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy, there may come a time when you need access to medical marijuana. Cannabis laws can be complicated on both a city and state level, which is why it’s essential to know your legal rights as a medical marijuana patient, as well as where to buy high-quality, safe cannabis from a licensed dispensary or pharmacy in New Orleans.
Key takeaways
- Legal age: You must be at least 18 years old and be diagnosed with a qualifying condition to purchase medical cannabis
- Purchase limits: Medical patients may purchase up to a 30-day supply as determined by their healthcare provider
- Consumption rules: Cannabis may not be smoked in public spaces where smoking is banned
- Approved dispensaries: It’s important to purchase your medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary or approved pharmacy, to avoid unsafe or poor-quality products
Louisiana cannabis laws
According to the state’s cannabis legislation, only approved medical marijuana patients can legally purchase, possess, and consume marijuana in Louisiana. Recreational marijuana use has yet to be legalized, so anyone caught possessing cannabis without state-granted medical approval can face criminal charges.
However, the state decriminalized possession of up to half of an ounce (14 grams) in 2021, so that offenders only have to pay a $100 fine, and won’t face jail time. Possession of more than that amount can lead to harsher criminal penalties.
Still, it remains that the only way to buy marijuana legally in Louisiana is to have approval from the state. In 1978, the state passed Act No. 725, which legalized medical cannabis for glaucoma and cancer patients, and required that cannabis was sourced by the state’s Department of Health.
In 2015, the state passed a bill that expanded the state’s medical marijuana program to include the licensing of dispensaries, and regulations over the cultivating and processing of cannabis. The bill also added to the list of qualifying conditions, and initiated the development of a prescription-based system, in which patients obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician who faxes the document to a pharmacy or dispensary for the patient to pick up.
Up until 2019, only non-inhalable products could be sold to medical patients. However, vaporizers were approved in 2019, and as of 2022, patients may purchase cannabis flower in addition to edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Due to the passing of Louisiana’s Smoke-Free Air Act in 2007, patients may not smoke or vaporize cannabis in most public spaces, or they are subject to a fine. However, patients are free to smoke or vaporize cannabis in their home. It’s also illegal to smoke or vaporize cannabis while in a motor vehicle, or drive under the influence.
NOLA medical patients are permitted to grow up to six plants on their property. However, they must apply for approval to grow through the state’s Department of Health.
As of June 2022, patients may not be denied employment or be fired because of their medical cannabis status, unless they work in:
- Emergency medical services
- Firefighter services
- Law enforcement
- Public safety (officials)
- The Horse Racing Commission
Still, patients can be fired if they’re under the influence while working.
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How to get medical marijuana in New Orleans
Most medical marijuana-friendly states use a card-based system, in which patients apply for a medical marijuana card through the state, which can be used to make purchases at dispensaries. However, Louisiana’s system is a bit different.
Finding a doctor
First, you have to make an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider to get a medical marijuana recommendation. Your healthcare provider will give you a physical evaluation in order to diagnose you with one of the qualifying conditions approved by the state.
Once your doctor makes a recommendation, they will fax it to an approved pharmacy or dispensary of your choosing. Once your cannabis is ready, you can pick it up from the pharmacy or dispensary, but you are required to show them a state-issued photo ID.
That being said, there is no statewide registration process or database for medical marijuana patients or caregivers.
If you cannot find a doctor nearby who provides recommendations, the good news is that Louisiana allows patients to obtain one through telehealth services. Companies like Leafwell streamline the process of getting a recommendation, while offering the convenience of an online appointment from the comfort of your own home. These services will fax their recommendation to your preferred pharmacy or dispensary.
Only patients 18 or older may access medical marijuana, although caregivers may request access on behalf of minors, or those who are unable to complete the process themselves due to medical reasons.
Qualifying conditions
In order to be approved for medical cannabis, a licensed healthcare provider must diagnose you with at least one of the following medical conditions:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Self-injuring behavior, physically aggressive or destructive behavior, avoidance/inability to communicate to where the physical health is jeopardized)
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Concussion diagnosed by an authorized clinician
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s Disease
- Intractable Pain
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Motor Neuron Disease
- Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizure Disorders
- Severe Muscle Spasms
- Spasticity
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Any condition where a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care
- Any condition a provider considers debilitating to a patient through their medical education and training
Can an out-of-state medical marijuana patient purchase medical cannabis in New Orleans?
Yes, Louisiana offers medical marijuana reciprocity. Out-of-state medical card holders can purchase cannabis at Louisiana dispensaries as of 2022. Patients must call a Louisiana pharmacy or dispensary ahead of time and ask them how to use your state-issued medical card to make purchases, as each business may have their own rules.
You will need to have your medical card and state-issued photo ID available at the time of purchase.
Benefits of getting medical cannabis in New Orleans
Louisiana’s medical program offers the only way to legally buy, possess, and consume cannabis in New Orleans. Without state approval, marijuana possession or public consumption can result in anything from a $100 fine to more serious penalties, including jail time.
Getting approval for medical cannabis also provides protection to most employees in the city of New Orleans.
Dispensaries in New Orleans
4507 Magazine St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70115
1667 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Medical cannabis is a growing industry in Louisiana, and some cultivators and manufacturers are standing out for their high-quality, effective, and user-friendly products:
- Cookies (an international brand that has opened a dispensary in Louisiana)
- Good Day Farm
- Ilera Holistic Healthcare
Where to consume cannabis in New Orleans
Patients are free to consume their cannabis in their own homes, or the homes of others (with their permission). Renters may not be permitted to smoke cannabis on their landlord’s property, depending on their lease agreement, but may consume non-smokable cannabis products, like tinctures and edibles.
Because of the state’s Smoke Free Air Act, it’s illegal to smoke or vape cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking is also prohibited. This includes indoor restaurants and bars, most places of employment, and some outdoor public spaces as well, like public beaches. Again, patients are free to consume non-inhalable forms of cannabis in public places.
When transporting cannabis in a car, products must be out of reach (like in a glove compartment), and in a tamper-proof container.
Tips for buying cannabis in New Orleans
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries: Only buy your medical cannabis products from a licensed dispensary or pharmacy, to avoid buying low-quality or unsafe products. It’s also illegal to buy cannabis outside of a state-approved dispensary or pharmacy.
- Explore different products: Cannabis flower is very popular in Louisiana, but there are other products worth exploring, like gummies, tinctures, vaporizers, and topicals. Educate yourself on what’s available, as some products have longer onset times, longer duration times, more potent effects, etc.
- Ask an expert: If you’re new to medical cannabis and have questions about products, seek out the advice of an expert. Dispensary and approved pharmacy staff can help you with your questions, as can telehealth professionals at Leafwell.
- Compare prices: Compare prices for products across different dispensaries, to make sure you’re not being overcharged, and to find good deals.
- Check up on local laws: Cannabis laws in both New Orleans and Louisiana are subject to change, so stay up to date on your local laws to avoid any potential legal risks.
- Bring your documentation: You can’t purchase cannabis without your state-issued photo ID, so make sure that you don’t leave it at home.
There are a number of cannabis events in and around New Orleans, including conventions and expositions. The Big Easy Vibe Fest is an annual cannabis festival that takes place in New Orleans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy recreational marijuana in New Orleans?
No, you cannot. Under state marijuana laws, recreational use is not legal in New Orleans, so you must get cannabis through the state’s medical marijuana program.
Does New Orleans have dispensaries?
There are a few licensed dispensaries in New Orleans, along with pharmacies that are approved to sell cannabis to medical patients with a doctor’s recommendation.
Can I buy medical cannabis while I’m visiting New Orleans from out of state?
Yes, Louisiana medical marijuana law permits visitors to make medical purchases. If you have your state-issued medical card with you, you can purchase cannabis at a state-approved dispensary or pharmacy.
What does cannabis legislation say about possession limits?
Louisiana medical marijuana laws permit patients to possess up to a 30-day supply at a time. The exact amount is determined by the patient’s doctor.
Cannabis laws regarding recreational use are different. Adult-use cannabis is illegal, so those with marijuana possession amounts below half an ounce are subject to a $100 fine without jail time. Those possessing more than half an ounce may have to deal with harsher penalties.
Resources
- HB988. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=243102
- HB819. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=238772
- SB143. https://trackbill.com/bill/louisiana-senate-bill-143-pharmacists-enacts-alison-neustrom-act-and-provides-relative-to-prescribed-marijuana-for-therapeutic-uses-and-the-development-of-rules-and-regulations-by-the-louisiana-board-of-pharmacy-and-the-louisiana-state-board-of-medical-examiners-gov-sig/1170704/
- Louisiana controlled substances. https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1352276
- Cannabis law in Louisiana: Introduction. https://libguides.law.lsu.edu/Cannabis
- Louisiana Department of Health. https://ldh.la.gov/page/Cannabis
Get your medical card in New Orleans
Get approved or your money back.
Larger purchase limits Access to higher potency strains Save up to 40% on product taxes Enhanced legal protection