Louisiana has always been progressive state considering its southern roots. Louisiana was actually the first state to legalize medical marijuana back in the 1980’s for those with glaucoma. Ever since that first medical marijuana bill was passed, Louisiana has been leading the charge in the medical marijuana community.
Louisiana has been a silent, graceful leader in the medical marijuana industry for decades. The state has many black owned marijuana companies, involves college students in the movement and is also one of the few “all condition” states. Most states with medical marijuana programs only allow patients with specific medical conditions to qualify for treatment, in Louisiana, any and all medical conditions can qualify you.
In today’s article we will be discussing how Louisiana is once again leading by decriminalizing marijuana in New Orleans and pushing for social equity within the industry.
Marijuana Decriminalization in New Orleans
This past month, the New Orleans City Council decriminalized marijuana within the city limits! This is a huge win for New Orleans as marijuana culture is very strong there.
The City Council does not have the authority to legalize marijuana but they have decriminalized it by pardoning low-level marijuana crimes both proactively and retroactively. This means that any future offenses of low-level marijuana crimes are pardoned and ones that have already been committed will be pardoned. Over 10,000 marijuana convictions are pending to be pardoned!
The goal of this is to build a community of trust between local law enforcement and the locals. As there has been a recent spike in violent crimes within New Orleans, law enforcement can now focus solely on those crimes instead of low-level marijuana offenses.
Smoking marijuana will still be prohibited in public spaces but how it will be dealt with has changed. Now the New Orleans Police Department will not be able to issue drug charges for this but instead will give out tickets for the violation of the Smoke-Free Air Act. This changes smoking marijuana in public from being a criminal offense to something as small as a parking ticket.
Louisiana Leading the Charge
Louisiana has been leading the charge in the marijuana industry especially when it comes to social equity aspects. A lot of decriminalization bills only focus on the future, New Orleans’ focus on both the past and future.
If you live in New Orleans or have ever been there, you know that low-level marijuana offenses are abundant. The City Council’s goal was to not only look out for those who will commit low-level offenses in the future but also those that are suffering within the criminal justice system currently for something that is now legal.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card
Even though marijuana is now decriminalized in New Orleans, you still need your medical marijuana card in order to consume marijuana legally. It is an easy way to not only treat your medical condition but to keep you safe from issues with law enforcement.
Getting your medical marijuana card is easier than ever! You can get your card in three easy steps:
Schedule a telemedicine appointment by calling us at (833) 253-2943 or scheduling an appointment online now.
Meet virtually with one of our certified physicians through telemedicine to discuss your medical history.
With the doctor's approval, you'll receive your recommendation from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and be able to access dispensaries in the state.
Don’t wait another day. Get the relief that you deserve today!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Louisiana Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Louisiana!