Is marijuana legal in Louisiana? Is marijuana legal in New Orleans?
People ask this all the time since we have very lax drinking laws in New Orleans.
Marijuana is not yet legal in New Orleans for recreational use. With a prescription, you can partake.
Marijuana is legal ONLY with a prescription in the entire state of Louisiana.
Who can get marijuana?
In 2018, lawmakers approved two bills that will widely expand the patient base who can use the medication to those with chronic pain, severe autism, PTSD, severe muscle spasms, Parkinson’s, and glaucoma.
Other than those conditions listed above, here are the others that are approved for medical marijuana:
- Cancer
- Muscular Dystrophy
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- Chronic Pain
- Traumatic brian injuries
- Debilitating medical conditions (this would be up to your doctor to decide!)
Who is growing this weed? And are people really allowed to sell it?
Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB35 into law, which grants immunity to employees of pharmacies licensed to dispense marijuana operating within the scope of the state-sponsored medical marijuana program. SB35 also named two agriculture centers as growers of legal marijuana plants: Louisiana State University and Southern University.
How do I get a prescription?
Patients with legal recommendations for cannabis medicine can purchase medical marijuana at one of nine specially licensed dispensaries or pharmacies.
Louisiana does not require patients to join a state registry to obtain marijuana medicine. Instead, they need a recommendation from an authorized doctor. You can find one here.
UPDATE: As of 1/1/2022, patients may now get medical marijuana in the raw, flower form.
Decriminalization
In 2016, New Orleans decided to decriminalize marijuana. The law applies to anyone over the age of 17 holding less than 2.5 pounds of marijuana. It will be at the discretion of the police officer to determine whether the pot is for personal use or if the suspect intended to distribute it.
In June 2021, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed HB 652 into law. This law, which began August 1, 2021, made the penalty for carrying up to 14 grams of cannabis a fine of $100. This law also includes only a summons – not an arrest!
What about CBD oil?
Yes! CBD oil is legal in the state of Louisiana. The oil must not be in any food or drinks and must not exceed 0.3% of THC.
Inhalable and smokeable hemp is considered illegal though.
Will marijuana be legal soon?
Eeeeehhhhhh…. you shouldn’t bank on it. Louisiana was the first southern state to even legalize medical marijuana. And we had to change a lot of laws to allow the growing and dispensing of it. It’s definitely not happening yet.
How can I help it become legal?
Register to vote and vote accordingly!
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