Louisiana Cannabis Laws

Medical cannabis is legal in Louisiana, but recreational marijuana use remains prohibited under state law.

Louisiana first approved medical cannabis for cancer and glaucoma patients in 1978. The state’s medical marijuana program was advanced further by the Alison Neustrom Act (SB 143) in 2015. This act increased the types of qualifying conditions and delivery methods available to patients. Finally, the passage of HB 819, which was signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards in 2020, greatly expanded medical cannabis access to qualified residents of the state.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Louisiana

Adults 18 and older with a valid MMJ certificate from a licensed doctor can purchase up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana products, with the final amount to be approved by the prescribing physician. Only certain forms of cannabis are acceptable under Louisiana law. Registered medical marijuana patients are authorized to purchase the following cannabis products:

• Extracts
• Oils
• Pills
• Tinctures
• Solutions
• Suspensions
• Edibles
• Metered-dose inhalers
• Lotions
• Patches
• Sprays
• Suppositories

Patients are also permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower per 14-day period from a licensed dispensary. There is no sales tax on medical marijuana in Louisiana.

Patients under 18 must designate an adult caregiver to purchase and administer medical marijuana on their behalf. Minors with autism spectrum disorder (AUD) require additional approval from a pediatric specialist.

While medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, home cultivation of marijuana is prohibited. Further, possession of less than 14 grams of cannabis has been decriminalized and is punishable by a $100 fine; however, first offenders caught with more than 14 grams of marijuana face a fine of up to $500 and up to six months of imprisonment. Penalties for subsequent offenses come with greater fines and longer jail time.

Despite recreational marijuana use being illegal in Louisiana, adults 18 and older can purchase hemp-derived CBD that contains less than 0.3% THC. THC isomers such as delta-8 and delta-9 are also legal for adult use.

What to Know About Medical Cannabis in Louisiana

Despite widespread legalization, cannabis is still considered a prohibited Schedule I substance. Without federal approval, each state must draft and implement its own set of medical marijuana laws. As legislation continues to evolve, Louisiana has established regulations to ensure the safe and lawful use of medical cannabis.

Certain Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis

The following is a list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana certification in Lousiana:

• 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 a physician
• 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
• Any condition where a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care
• Any condition a physician considers debilitating to a patient through their medical education and training

Telemedicine Is Allowed

Telemedicine is legal in Louisiana, and you can get certified for cannabis online. If you’re ready to get your Louisiana recommendation certificate, connect with a physician at Leafwell today to get started.

Louisiana Has Reciprocity Laws

Louisiana offers medical marijuana reciprocity, meaning out-of-state patients with a valid medical marijuana card can purchase medicine from a Louisiana pharmacy. Other states and territories that recognize out-of-state cards include:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Hawaii *
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

States that have recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older but do not accept out-of-state cards include:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota (currently only tribal dispensaries)
• Missouri
• Montana
• New York
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington

There Are Employment Protections for Certain Medical Marijuana Patients

In June 2022, HB 988 was signed into law. Its provisions provide employment protections for certain state employees who possess a valid medical marijuana certificate. The law does not apply to personnel in the fields of:

• Emergency medical services
• Firefighter services
• Law enforcement
• Public safety (officials)
• The Horse Racing Commission

While this bill protects those who test positive for cannabis, it does not apply to individuals who are intoxicated on the job.

The Louisiana Marijuana Task Force has drafted legislation that would extend the same protections to employees in the private sector. In May 2023, lawmakers advanced HB 351, which aims to protect medical cannabis patients from losing unemployment benefits due to legal cannabis use.

Can You Grow Cannabis In Louisiana?

No, you cannot grow cannabis in Louisiana. It is illegal for individuals to cultivate cannabis in the state.

The Bottom Line

Marijuana is legal for medical use in Louisiana. While recreational cannabis is illegal, hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8, delta-10, and CBD are legal for adult use. Possession of small amounts of marijuana has also been decriminalized. As the legislative landscape continues to expand, follow the Louisiana Department of Health for up to date information.