Medical Marijuana Louisiana Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently
Asked Questions
Is medical marijuana legal in Louisiana?
Yes. After years of complicated legislation and vague regulations, Louisiana finally legalized medical marijuana in 2016.
Act No. 874 of the 1991 Louisiana Legislative session allowed doctors to “prescribe” marijuana to patients. However, federal law prohibits marijuana, so doctors could not technically prescribe a banned substance since prescribing marijuana would mean prosecution. Since 1991, the law has undergone several changes and amendments, and we now have a comprehensive medical marijuana program.
Twenty-five years later, SB 271 replaced the ambiguous 1991 law and made Louisiana the first state in the Deep South to create an extensive medical marijuana program. In 2021, the governors and the legislature approved smoked or “raw or crude” cannabis.
Louisiana medical marijuana pharmacies can dispense a maximum of 2.5 ounces of cannabis every fourteen days to a patient. Patients can possess up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana. It is prohibited to dispense raw cannabis to anyone under 21 unless their physician has specially recommended it.
What medical conditions qualify you for medical marijuana in Louisiana?
To qualify for a Louisiana medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with any of the following qualifying conditions.
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- PTSD
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Huntington’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Motor neuron disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Spasticity
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Any of the following conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder:
- Repetitive or self-stimulatory behavior of such severity that jeopardizes the physical health of the person with autism
- Avoidance of others or inability to communicate, jeopardizing the physical health of the person with autism
- Self-injuring behavior
- Physically aggressive or destructive behavior
- Traumatic brain injury
- A physician-diagnosed concussion
- Chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease
- Any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care.
- Any condition not otherwise specified in this subparagraph that a physician, in his medical opinion, considers debilitating to an individual patient and is qualified through his medical education and training to treat.
- Severe arthritis
- Chron’s disease
- Intractable pain
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
How do I get a medical card in Louisiana?
First, you need to see a qualified physician to get your Louisiana medical marijuana card. Any physician licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to practice in Louisiana can recommend medical marijuana for you if you both share a bonafide doctor-patient relationship.
When you meet your physician, you will discuss your medical condition and medical history with them. Arrive early and have your state-issued photo ID with you. During the consultation process, you can ask any questions about medical marijuana and the cardholding process.
If your doctor believes you will benefit from medical marijuana, they will send a recommendation to a licensed medical marijuana dispensary so you can get help as an MMJ patient.
Are edibles legal in Louisiana?
Yes, edibles are legal in Louisiana for those with a valid medical marijuana card.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?
Before you can apply for a medical card in Louisiana, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Louisiana resident with proof of residency
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying condition
- Possess an official written certification from a physician licensed by Louisiana
Does Louisiana accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards?
No, patients with a valid medical marijuana card from another state cannot access Louisiana medical marijuana. Patients must reside in Louisiana to be recommended for and obtain Louisiana medical marijuana cards.
Is there recreational marijuana in Louisiana?
Recreational marijuana or adult-use marijuana is still illegal in Louisiana. However, the state amended the law to reduce the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
On June 14, 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards signed HB 652. Anyone convicted of possessing 14 grams or less will be subject to a maximum penalty of $100 instead of serving prison time.
The court will use its discretion in cases where the person cannot pay; alternatives include community service or paying in installments. Thanks to the law, thousands of Louisianans will be able to avoid jail time for possessing small amounts of cannabis.
Can I grow my own medical marijuana in Louisiana?
No, you can’t. Only the Louisiana State University’s Agricultural Center and Southern University’s Agricultural Center are licensed to grow medical marijuana. At-home cultivation is illegal in the Bayou State.
How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Louisiana?
On average, a physician consultation fee costs around $200, but depends on where you get your recommendation for. If your card application is approved, you are required to pay a $75 state registration fee to validate your medical card application for Louisiana.
How do I become a licensed marijuana caregiver in Louisiana?
You must be over 21-years-old before you can help a patient purchase and administer medical cannabis. Along with this, you also must be a Louisiana resident; you’ll have to submit a driver’s license or state identification card to prove your residency. Finally, to be a Louisiana caregiver, you’ll need to submit a photo for card registration, which costs $75.
Can I order weed online in Louisiana?
Yes, there are nine licensed pharmacies allowed to dispense marijuana in Louisiana where you can order online before entering. However, only eight of them have an active website.
You can place your order online by heading to the dispensary’s website and finding their online menu.
We’ve listed the pharmacies, addresses, and links to their website below.
Houma: Green Leaf Dispensary
Provides top-notch, exceptional cannabis products and services to clients while adhering to regulatory and statutory guidelines.
Address:
6048 W Park Ave
Houma, LA 70364
Lafayette: The Apothecary Shoppe
Acadiana’s only medical marijuana pharmacy providing fulfillment of medical marijuana to those with treatable conditions
Address:
602 Guillebeau Rd Ste A
Lafayette, LA 70506
Lake Charles: Medicis Pharmacy
Medicis Pharmacy is the only pharmacy awarded the license to dispense medical marijuana in the Southwest region.
Address:
1727 Imperial Blvd Bldg 4
Lake Charles, KA 70605
Madisonville: Willow Pharmacy
Willow pharmacy of Madisonville on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain was awarded the sole permit to dispense medical cannabis in the southeast region.
Address:
1519 Highway 22W Ste 5 Madisonville, LA 70447
New Orleans: H & W Drug Store
H&W Drug Store is known for its friendly, fast, and courteous customer service, which has lasted for over 50 years.
Address:
1667 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Shreveport: Hope Pharmacy
Hope Pharmacy has a reputation of professionalism, helpful staff, and minimum wait time.
Address:
1410 Kings Hwy Ste A
Shreveport, LA 71301
West Monroe: Delta MedMar
Delta MedMar dispensary has a variety of products available for patients, including pills, oils, lotions, and more!
Address:
111 McMillian Rd, West Monroe,
LA 71291, United States
Table of Contents
Ready To Get Your MMJ Card?
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Want to learn more about cannabis?
We’ve got all the canna-resources for you. Below, you can scroll through our common medical conditions pages, MMJ FAQs, and our constantly updated blog.
MMJ Card
Elevate Holistics’ blog is the one place you will need to access all the latest news and information about the world of cannabis
State Laws
You’ve got questions about medical cannabis and all of the laws associated; we’ve got answers. Here is the state breakdown.
Medical Conditions
What medical conditions qualify for an MMJ card in your state?
Find out here.
