Louisiana
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR LOUISIANA
Louisiana’s medical marijuana program has undergone significant changes in recent years, with further developments on the horizon. As of September 2024, the state is transitioning from university-controlled cultivation to private growers. A new law awaiting the governor’s signature will transfer the two exclusive medical cannabis growing licenses from LSU and Southern University to their private partners, Good Day Farm and Ilera Holistic Healthcare.
This shift aims to reduce bureaucracy and potentially lower costs for patients. The private growers will be required to pay over $1 million annually in contracting and licensing fees to the Louisiana Department of Health. The move is expected to free up capital for facility investments, potentially benefiting patients in the long run.
Key aspects of Louisiana’s current medical marijuana program include:
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Approved forms: Extracts, oils, pills, tinctures, solutions, suspensions, chewables, lotions, patches, sprays, suppositories, and vaporization products.
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Possession limits: Patients can possess a 30-day supply as determined by their physician.
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Qualifying conditions: The program covers a wide range of debilitating conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder, among others.
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Dispensaries: Licensed pharmacies are the only authorized outlets for dispensing therapeutic marijuana.
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Physician recommendations: Only certified physicians who have completed specific education and training can recommend therapeutic cannabis.
The state has also made efforts to reduce penalties for marijuana-related offenses. House Bill 165, introduced in 2024, lessened penalties for possessing or using items intended for marijuana consumption, reducing fines and eliminating potential imprisonment for first offenses.
While Louisiana’s medical marijuana program continues to evolve, recreational use remains illegal. The state’s regulatory framework aims to balance patient access with strict control over production and distribution, ensuring product safety and efficacy.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN LOUISIANA
Louisiana has a limited history with cannabis legalization. In 2015, the state passed a law allowing for the use of medical cannabis, but the law was initially quite limited in its scope and did not provide a legal means of obtaining cannabis.
Since then, the program has expanded somewhat, with the state establishing a regulatory framework for medical cannabis production and distribution and adding more qualifying conditions for patients. However, the program remains relatively restricted compared to some other states, and there have been ongoing concerns about access and affordability for patients.
While there have been some efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in Louisiana, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The state remains relatively conservative in its approach to drug policy, and possession of cannabis remains illegal in most circumstances.
Today, the efforts have finally come to fruition as patients in Louisiana can visit a medical marijuana doctor in Baton Rouge or other areas to undergo a medical marijuana evaluation and receive a recommendation. The state now recognizes two approved growers, the Agricultural Centers at Louisiana State University and Southern University, along with nine pharmacy locations where medical marijuana can be dispensed.