Can You Grow Medical Marijuana in Louisiana? Here’s What You Need to Know

In Louisiana, where recreational marijuana remains illegal, the medical marijuana program has steadily expanded in recent years. As interest in home cultivation grows nationwide, many patients are wondering: Can you grow medical marijuana in Louisiana? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, but there’s plenty to understand about the current state laws, your rights as a patient, and why getting a medical marijuana card is the smartest path forward.

Can Patients Grow Medical Marijuana at Home in Louisiana?

No, patients are not allowed to grow their marijuana in Louisiana, even with a valid medical marijuana card. Unlike states such as California or Colorado, where personal cultivation is permitted for medical use, Louisiana law currently prohibits all home cultivation of marijuana, whether for personal medical use or otherwise.

Instead, the state has opted for a tightly controlled system, where only licensed growers and state-approved pharmacies are authorized to cultivate and distribute marijuana to qualified patients.

Louisiana first passed a medical marijuana law in 1978, only for patients with cancer and glaucoma. However, in 2015, Governor Bobby Jindal signed HB 149, establishing a framework for dispensing marijuana for medical purposes, but the first dispensing of medical marijuana didn't occur until August 2019. Since then, it has undergone several improvements to increase patient access and expand qualifying conditions.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Only medical marijuana is legal: Recreational use remains illegal in Louisiana.

• Since 2022, patients can legally purchase smokable marijuana flower from medical marijuana pharmacies.

• The possession limit is 2.5 ounces every 14 days, dispensed through one of the state’s authorized medical marijuana pharmacies.

• Home growing remains illegal; all products must be purchased through Louisiana’s regulated medical system.

Who Grows Marijuana in Louisiana?

Louisiana has chosen a unique cultivation model, assigning marijuana production to just two licensed cultivators in partnership with public universities:

• GB Sciences, now Wellcana Plus – Partnered with LSU.

• Ilera Holistic Healthcare – Partnered with Southern University.

These cultivators grow and process all medical marijuana available in the state. From there, the products are distributed to licensed pharmacies, in which different locations are responsible for serving a specific region of the state.

This centralized, vertically integrated system ensures product consistency and safety, but it also means patients have no legal route to grow their supply.

Why Louisiana Is Ideal for Growing Marijuana

A comprehensive study by Green Unicorn Farms analyzed all 50 states based on nine environmental and economic factors. These included temperature consistency, humidity, frost-free days, CO₂ levels, land affordability, air quality, and annual rainfall. The goal was to determine which states offer the best natural conditions for marijuana cultivation.

Louisiana took the top spot with a score of 64.81 out of 100, standing out in several major categories:

• Fifth in legality score, thanks to its structured medical marijuana program

• 248 frost-free days per year, ranking fourth nationally

• Second-best in temperature consistency, ideal for growing healthy, high-yield plants

• First in annual rainfall with over 60.7 inches per year

• Only a 19% difference from optimal humidity levels (average 55%)

These conditions make Louisiana a dream environment for cultivation, if only the laws supported wider participation.

Why You Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card

While you can’t grow your marijuana in Louisiana, getting a medical marijuana card is the only legal way to access it. A card protects you from criminal charges and allows you to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days. It also gives you access to regulated products like flower, tinctures, gummies, and more, along with guidance from physicians trained in marijuana treatment.

Louisiana takes a flexible approach to qualifying conditions. Any state-licensed doctor can recommend marijuana for debilitating conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more.

Medical marijuana is only available through the licensed pharmacies across the state, including locations in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Lafayette. These are the only legal sources offering expert support and safe, high-quality products for registered patients.

Summary

Louisiana may offer some of the best natural conditions for growing marijuana, but the law is clear: only licensed cultivators working with LSU and Southern University are legally allowed to grow medical marijuana. 

For patients, the smartest and safest option is to stay within the law: get your medical marijuana card, purchase only from licensed pharmacies, and keep up with any legislative updates. While cultivation laws could change down the line as medical marijuana gains more support across the South, compliance remains the key to safe and legal access for now.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in the State of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.

Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?

Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!