Louisiana has historically been slow-moving when it comes to cannabis legalization–even on the medical side. The Bayou State made a significant change in the Louisiana Therapeutic Marijuana Act in August 2020 by broadening HB819 to allow any state-licensed physician to recommend medical cannabis to a patient they deem would benefit from it. This is a far cry from the state cannabis program that took almost four years to start up since legalization in 2016.

Though legislators had a list of qualifying conditions that made patients eligible for the program, the high cost of treatment has kept many from being able to afford medical cannabis, according to a local CBS news station. After a four-year hold-up, Louisiana set the bar for the Deep South States by broadening the program by allowing “doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any patient they believe it would help.” Only time will tell if expanding the program will curb high costs of treatment some citizens can’t seem to afford.

Meanwhile, becoming a Louisiana medical cannabis cardholder is much easier than in 2019, with all state-certified doctors prescribing the plant in several forms, including oils, extracts, tinctures, sprays, capsules, pills, gelatin-based chewables, topicals, transdermal patches, and suppositories. As of January 1, 2022 smokable forms of cannabis are allowed under certain conditions.

Most recently, Louisiana’s edible hemp industry narrowly avoided a complete ban by state lawmakers, who instead chose to impose stricter regulations. House Bill 952, sponsored by Rep. Dustin Miller, passed the House and Senate with significant majorities. The bill reduces the THC potency in recreational hemp edibles and restricts their sale in convenience stores selling fuel, while allowing current alcohol establishments to continue selling hemp products but stopping new permits.

Additionally, Louisiana’s medical marijuana cultivation has been fully privatized. Senate Bill 228, now law, transferred exclusive cultivation rights from LSU and Southern University to their private partners, Good Day Farm and Ilera Holistic Healthcare. This change positions these companies advantageously as federal marijuana regulations are expected to ease.

Yes, all applicants must provide a state issued driver’s license or identification card to prove their place of residence or they are not eligible for a card.
Meeting with a licensed Louisiana physician

The first step is to schedule a physician appointment with CannaMed . After the appointment and all medical records are uploaded and evaluated by the physician, he or she will recommend certification if you are approved.

From start to finish, the physician consultation usually takes 10-15 minutes.

The state of Louisiana requires that you buy any medical cannabis prescriptions from state approved dispensaries. As of 2022, raw smokeable flower is not sold in the state; however, several other forms of cannabis are prescribed, including oils, extracts, tinctures, sprays, capsules, pills, gelatin-based chewables, topicals, transdermal patches, and suppositories.

CannaMed has a very high approval rate for medical cannabis licensure. However, if you are not approved, you will be refunded in full.

Louisiana considers “intractable pain” as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.

No. Driving or operating any kind of vehicle such as a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft while under influence of marijuana is not allowed.

No. The use of medical marijuana is prohibited in public places under Louisiana law.

Medical cannabis patients are able to purchase all forms of medical cannabis products other than dry flower. Products available at Louisiana dispensaries include including oils, extracts, tinctures, sprays, capsules, pills, gelatin-based chewables, topicals, transdermal patches, and suppositories

In Louisiana, any health disorder that “a physician, in their medical opinion, considers debilitating to an individual patient and is qualified through his medical education and training to treat” may qualify for medical cannabis.

Yes, renewing your medical card in Louisiana is simple with CannaMed. In Louisiana, patients will need to recertify their license annually by seeing a licensed physician again. CannaMedwill get in touch with you when your certification is approaching its expiration to help you set up a renewal consultation.

Yes, Louisiana recognizes out-of-state medical cards only if you get a recommendation from a certified Louisiana doctor.

Yes, Louisiana allows telemedicine for medical cannabis certification. Simply sign up with CannaMed, make an appointment with a doctor, and get your card from the comfort of your home.

Louisiana’s medical marijuana regulations impose a 30-day limit on the total quantity of adult-use cannabis a qualified patient can purchase, restricting the purchase to no more than two and a half ounces at a time.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a medical marijuana recommendation in Louisiana. Minor patients may apply with consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian.