How Medical Marijuana Has Changed in Louisiana

Louisiana has come a long way since its earliest marijuana legislation. The state passed its first medical marijuana law in 1978, but it was limited to patients with cancer or glaucoma and never took practical form. Decades later, in 2015, Louisiana officially established a regulated medical marijuana program, and the system has been expanding and evolving ever since.

Today, while recreational marijuana remains illegal, Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is fully operational and undergoing major transformations. Lawmakers have introduced new protections for patients, expanded access to more medical professionals, and are continuing to build out the infrastructure of this vital program.

No Recreational Sales in Sight

Let’s be clear: there is no recreational marijuana program in Louisiana. Possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, but selling or buying marijuana without a medical card is still illegal and can result in significant penalties. This makes holding a valid medical marijuana card the only legal way to access marijuana products in the state.

If you rely on marijuana for chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, or another qualifying condition, having a medical card is not just the safest legal path, it’s the only path.

Key Legal Changes in 2025

Several impactful laws were passed in 2025 that continue to shape the future of Louisiana’s medical marijuana program:

• HB 135 (Act 438): Now allows out-of-state patients with qualifying conditions to purchase medical marijuana at Louisiana’s therapeutic marijuana pharmacies, broadening patient access.

• HB 137 (Act 439): Grants immunity from prosecution to registered patients and protects visiting patients from certain charges under the state’s Controlled Substances Law.

• HB 190 (Act 444): Expands the range of professionals who can recommend marijuana by allowing nurse practitioners and medical psychologists to evaluate and authorize treatment.

• HB 629 (Act 473): Protects privacy by making it illegal for law enforcement to conduct a warrantless search based solely on marijuana odor.

• HB 234 (Act 478): Prohibits smoking or vaping marijuana in vehicles on public roads and outlines penalties for doing so, reinforcing public safety without penalizing private use.

• HB 697 (Act 491): Requires the Louisiana Department of Health to oversee testing and regulation of medical marijuana production, ensuring product safety and consistency.

• HB 698 (Act 492): Allows the Department of Health to collect fees from marijuana producers, helping fund state programs through compliant operations.

These changes signal a more compassionate, patient-focused approach while still maintaining public safety and regulatory oversight.

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?

Unlike many other states, Louisiana allows doctors wide discretion in recommending marijuana. As long as a licensed physician believes a condition is “debilitating to the individual patient”, and they are qualified to treat that condition, a recommendation can be made.

The qualifying medical conditions include:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome

• Cancer

• Chronic Pain

• Concussion

• Crohn's Disease

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• HIV/AIDS

• Hospice or palliative care

• Huntington's Disease 

• Intractable Pain

• Lewy-body dementia

• Motor-neuron disease

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)​

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Non-Epileptic Seizures

• Parkinson's Disease

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Seizure disorders

• Severe muscle spasm

• Spasticity

• Spinal muscular atrophy

• Traumatic brain injury

How Much Can You Buy?

Louisiana law currently allows patients to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana flower every 14 days. This is in line with the limits set by state regulators and ensures consistent access for those who need ongoing relief.

While home cultivation remains prohibited, the state’s licensed therapeutic marijuana pharmacies offer a range of high-quality, lab-tested products including:

• Flower

• Oils 

• Extracts

• Tinctures

• Sprays

• Capsules

• Pills

• Solutions

• Suspensions

• gelatin-based chewables

• Lotions

• transdermal patches

• Suppositories

• Metered-dose inhalation.

Access Is Expanding, But Gaps Remain

One medical marijuana dispensary is authorized in each of Louisiana’s nine health service regions. These dispensaries are regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met.

Not all regions have equal access. In Health Service Area 1, which includes Shenandoah, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg, there is still no active dispensary, leaving patients with long drives or limited product selection.

Legal Protections for Patients

Thanks to HB 137 and related legislation, registered medical marijuana patients are now protected from prosecution for possession, use, and certain transportation of their medicine. The law also applies to visiting patients, giving Louisiana one of the most patient-friendly policies in the South.

Patients should still carry their medical marijuana card and a valid ID, avoid public consumption, and follow all vehicle-related restrictions to remain fully compliant.

Summary

As lawmakers continue to refine and expand Louisiana’s medical marijuana laws, it’s clear that the state is making meaningful progress toward patient access, safety, and dignity. But until recreational sales are legalized, if ever, medical marijuana remains the only legal, safe, and reliable option for Louisiana residents.

With expanded legal protections, broader qualifying conditions, and increasing professional support, now is the time to get your medical marijuana card and take control of your health journey.

Don’t risk outdated laws or rely on unsafe alternatives. Schedule an appointment with us today and ensure you're accessing your medicine the right way, legally and safely in Louisiana.

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 helping 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 simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!