Is Weed Legal In Louisiana?

Is cannabis legal in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a medical marijuana program. Non-medical, adult use of cannabis is illegal in Louisiana. However, cannabis has been decriminalized.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Louisiana?

Medical cannabis laws:

2015

Alison Neustrom Act SB 143
Authorizes a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state to prescribe marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinols, or a chemical derivative of tetrahydrocannabinols in any form except for inhalation and raw or crude for therapeutic use by patients.
Provides the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) submit an annual report to the legislature regarding recommendations as to additional diseases or medical conditions to be added to the eligible list of diseases and conditions for prescription

2020

HB 819, signed by Governor John Bel Edwards, greatly expanded access to medical cannabis. HB 819 allows any licensed doctor in good standing with the state to recommend cannabis for any condition the doctor “considers debilitating to an individual patient and is qualified through his medical education and training to treat.”

Recreational cannabis laws:

Louisiana may one day legalize adult use cannabis for those aged 21 or over, but this will likely take a few years or so yet. The signs, however, are positive. Currently, the possession of 14 grams (almost a half-ounce) is decriminalized and punishable by a $100 fine, with no threat of jail time.

2021

House Bill 652 reduces penalties for personal possession of low amounts of cannabis. Non-medical (recreational) possession of 14 g (just under a half-ounce) or less of cannabis is de-facto decriminalized, with no jail time and a $100 fine. Distribution, selling and possession of large amounts still attracts penalties, and it is important to realize that cannabis possession is still technically a misdemeanor. This is effective as of August 1, 2021.

2022

As of January 1, 2022, registered medical marijuana patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of raw cannabis flower every 14 days.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana?

The Louisiana law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

AIDS/HIV
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cancer
Crohn’s Disease
Chronic Pain
Destructive or physically aggressive behaviors
Communication difficulties or avoidance that jeopardizes the patient’s physical health
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Repetitive or self-stimulatory behaviors that put the patient’s physical health at risk
Seizure Disorders
Self-Injuring Behaviors
Severe Muscle Spasms
Spasticity
Wasting Syndrome or Cachexia
Any condition where the consulting physician feels that medical cannabis may help

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Louisiana?

With Leafwell, you can get your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certificate in 4 simple steps:

Register online with Leafwell – You can speak to a doctor and qualify for a Louisiana medical marijuana card online. The cost of the online consultation and renewal is $125. You are only billed if approved.
Attend your appointment and discuss with your physician why you would like an MMJ Card – The doctor will ask you questions based on your medical history and provide you with advice and guidance on whether medical marijuana is a good choice for you.
Be certified at your chosen pharmacy by Leafwell – Your Leafwell physician will contact your nominated dispensary to complete the necessary process of confirming that you are now a medical marijuana patient.
Start legally buying medical marijuana – Note that there are no ‘cards’ – your selected dispensary of choice will be told by our physician that you are an eligible patient and you just need to show regular ID to purchase. If you want a copy of your certificate, your chosen pharmacy can provide you with one. Leafwell cannot provide you with a copy directly. Patients are not required to join a state registry. The Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program is run by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

A physician may recommend medical cannabis for any condition they feel is appropriate. When it comes to minors, a pediatric specialist is needed to sign off on the minor patient being certified. A parent or registered caregiver needs to also sign off on the minor patient being certified. Only one doctor needs to carry out the consultation but a pediatric subspecialist/pediatrician must also sign off if the minor patient if the minor is a patient seeking therapeutic marijuana for autism spectrum disorder (AUD). Caregivers must be aged 21 years-old or over.

Get your medical marijuana card

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Louisiana?

Yes, telemedicine is legal in Louisiana and you can get certified for cannabis online.

How much cannabis can I possess in Louisiana with an MMJ Card?

Medical card holders only = A maximum of 30 days’ supply, amount determined by physician. Medical cannabis patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of raw cannabis flower every 14 days.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Louisiana?

It is currently illegal to grow cannabis in Louisiana, even for medical marijuana patients.

Does Louisiana accept out-of-state cards?

Louisiana does not have reciprocity with other states, so does not recognize their medical marijuana cards.

Will my Louisiana card be accepted in other states?

Yes, a Louisiana medical marijuana card is honored by some other states with reciprocity.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

Arizona
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
US Virgin Islands
Utah
Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is fine) – just that you are protected by the state’s medical marijuana laws to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and you intend on purchasing medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also beholden to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing a visiting patient application to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

Arkansas
California
Hawaii
West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in Louisiana?

Although Louisiana has legalized medical marijuana for qualifying individuals with a physician’s recommendation, the law does not address employer concerns or employment protections. This means that an employer may possibly terminate your employment for positive testing of cannabis, even if medically recommended. You cannot consume cannabis at your place of employment.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Louisiana?

Medical cannabis in Louisiana must be tested for cannabinoid content, pesticides, contaminants, moisture/water levels and heavy metals.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Louisiana?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy, or another legally designated space to purchase cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can actually do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Louisiana?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals or any other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members club and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense and generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.

Legal status

Possession limits

State taxes

Cultivation

To apply for a medical cannabis card in the state of Louisiana