Louisiana’s Medical Marijuana Landscape Evolves: 7 New Laws Take Effect
In 1978, Louisiana became one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana, initially allowing its use only for patients with cancer and glaucoma. Since then, the state’s medical marijuana laws have undergone significant changes, expanding the range of qualifying medical conditions and allowing patients to access medical cannabis at state-licensed pharmacies.
In recent years, Louisiana has seen a surge in marijuana-related legislation, with seven bills passed in 2022 and 2024. These new laws aim to improve the state’s medical marijuana program, increase patient access, and reduce penalties for non-compliance.
One notable change is the allowance for Louisiana-licensed pharmacies to dispense medical cannabis to out-of-state patients with qualifying medical conditions. This law, HB 135, also establishes the qualifications for out-of-state patients to access medical cannabis in Louisiana.
Another significant development is the provision of immunity from prosecution for patients enrolled in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program. HB 137 ensures that patients who are legally using medical marijuana will not face criminal charges for certain violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law.
The state has also expanded the scope of medical professionals who can recommend medical marijuana treatment. HB 190 authorizes nurse practitioners and medical psychologists to evaluate and recommend eligible patients for medical marijuana treatment.
In addition, HB 629 prohibits law enforcement from searching a person’s residence solely based on the smell of marijuana, requiring a warrant for such searches. HB 234 prohibits passengers and operators of motor vehicles from vaping or smoking marijuana while operating on public highways, and outlines penalties for violating this prohibition.
HB 697 and HB 698 aim to reform the production and dispensing of medical marijuana in Louisiana. The former requires the Louisiana Department of Health to license and regulate laboratories and production facilities that test medical marijuana products, while the latter authorizes the department to charge and collect fees from producers and remit the proceeds to the state’s Department of Revenue.
To qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana, patients must have a doctor’s recommendation and a medical condition that is considered debilitating by their doctor. Licensed physicians in good standing with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners can issue recommendations, and patients can access medical cannabis at one of the nine state-regulated pharmacies, one per region.
These changes aim to improve the state’s medical marijuana program, increase patient access, and reduce penalties for non-compliance. As Louisiana continues to evolve its medical marijuana laws, patients and healthcare professionals alike will benefit from these advancements.
