The medical marijuana program in Louisiana is one of the most progressive programs in the south. For being more of a conservative state, Louisiana was surprisingly the first state that allowed medical marijuana to patients back in 1978. This is a fun fact that many people are not aware of because it took years before the medical marijuana program opened its doors to more than just glaucoma and chemo patients. It wasn’t until 2018 when Governor Edwards passed a bill that created a fully functioning medical marijuana program that more patients were able to access marijuana treatment.
This slow start is what has made a lot of Louisiana residents confused about the medical marijuana program and since there still is a stigma around using marijuana, many are afraid to ask even their doctors about medical marijuana treatment.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, we are here to give you all the tools you need to make the decision on which treatment is best for your medical condition. If you think medical marijuana can work for you, then we are right here to help you schedule an evaluation with us! We also provide our community with the latest marijuana news and information in Louisiana. You can keep in touch via our blog or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Keep reading for more information on how to qualify for medical marijuana Louisiana and what conditions qualify. We will be also discussing why you should get your medical marijuana card in the first place, where you can purchase your medication and what you can buy!
How Do I Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?
Your first step to qualifying for medical marijuana treatment is to meet with us! We can help you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have. Working with us makes the process easy for you so you can sit back and relax while we take care of everything!
In order to qualify for medical marijuana treatment in Louisiana you need only a few things. First and most importantly, you have to be diagnosed with a medical condition that qualifies for medical marijuana treatment. We will get into more detail about what this means later in the article! Next, you need to have an official written certification from a licensed physician in Louisiana which we can help you with. Lastly, you need proof that you are a Louisiana resident which can be shown through either a Louisiana license or state ID card.
These are the only three things that you need in order to qualify for medical marijuana treatment in Louisiana. It really is that simple!
What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
So what conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana? This is probably the most frequently asked question by those interested in medical marijuana treatment. Obviously, potential patients want to know if they have a medical condition that qualifies them.
Louisiana is an amazing state to be in if you are looking to start medical marijuana treatment. This is because Louisiana is what we in the industry call an “all conditions” state. This means that all conditions qualify for medical marijuana treatment!
This is another reason why the medical marijuana program in Louisiana is so progressive. Most states have a specific list of conditions that you have to be diagnosed with in order to get your medical marijuana card. In Louisiana you just have to be diagnosed with a debilitating condition that a physician recommends medical marijuana for. This makes the process so much easier for Louisiana residents!
Below is a short list of the most common conditions that use medical marijuana treatment:
Alzheimer’s disease
ALS
Cancer
Chronic or intractable pain
Crohn’s disease
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Huntington’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
PTSD
Any debilitating medical condition that a physician believes will benefit from medical marijuana treatment
Why Should I Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Honestly, the major question here is not do I qualify for medical marijuana treatment but should I qualify for medical marijuana treatment. Many are wondering, “Why should I get my Louisiana marijuana card?”
The first reason is the main reason, if you are currently battling a medical condition, medical marijuana can help you with that! We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with our marijuana doctors that have the training, compassion and belief in the medicinal properties of medical marijuana. At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our doctors are all licensed in the state and take continuing education courses on cannabis to make sure that they have the more accurate and up to date information regarding the therapeutic benefits of marijuana!
Getting a medical marijuana card is also the only way that you can access dispensaries in Louisiana since there is no recreational program yet. Without Louisiana marijuana dispensaries, your only option is to hit up your local dealer who we all know is a bit sketchy and never knows the exact strain they are selling you. When using marijuana for a specific medical condition it is important to know the strains and the terpene profile as those are critical in helping your condition. A dealer can’t give you that, only a pharmacist at a Louisiana dispensary can!
Speaking of sketchy dealers, you should get your medical marijuana card because it is also the only legal way to use marijuana! We all know marijuana has a recreational history even though it’s not legally recreational in Louisiana yet. Getting your medical marijuana card is the safest way for you to easily show that you are registered with Louisiana’s medical marijuana program and, therefore, are allowed to possess, transport and consume medical marijuana legally.
Where Can I Purchased Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?
Like I said, the only way you can access marijuana in Louisiana legally is through a Louisiana dispensary. The word “dispensary” is actually a little tricky in Louisiana so we’re going to first get into a little bit about that first.
In Louisiana, dispensaries are just called pharmacies due to the way the Louisiana program is set up. When the program was started, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy made it so the only businesses that could apply for their licenses to distribute medical marijuana were already existing pharmacies. Once these pharmacies were approved, they could no longer operate as a traditional pharmacy. They had to make a full switch to selling strictly medical marijuana products. So these pharmacies are actually full functioning dispensaries without the name.
Right now there are only 9 approved dispensary locations in the state but with new legislation, it is now possible for dispensaries to deliver! Once you have your medical marijuana card (also known as a medical marijuana recommendation) you can visit a dispensary in person or have it delivered straight to your door.
What Can I Buy at a Louisiana Dispensary?
Going to a dispensary might sound a little intimidating for a new medical marijuana patient but believe me, the pharmacists are extremely knowledgeable and are only there to help! If you’re not sure which product is right for you, chat up your local pharmacist and they will let you know which way to go.
Remember that beginning your marijuana journey will have some trial and error involved. You may start off with something you love and then the next product could be a total miss for you. Everyone is different! The best way for you to keep track of your products and progress is by using a marijuana journal. It is an easy way to track the effects that each product gives you and how it makes you feel. This will help you find the right products for your medical condition quickly!
Below is a list of the variety of forms that medical marijuana can come in at a dispensary:
Tinctures
This is a fan favorite as it is easy to dose and gives you the most control over your treatment. Tinctures are tiny bottles that allow you to administer your medical marijuana orally or in a food or beverage!
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
These are basically just like your traditional inhaler except, of course, this one has medical marijuana in it! The inhaler is a super fast acting method of dosing and also gives you a precisely measured puff.
Edibles
Most people are familiar with what edibles are and in Louisiana you can get them in a gelatin-based gummy form. Make sure with these you start low and slow so as to avoid an uncomfortable effect!
Topicals:
Topicals are lotions that you can rub directly on your targeted pain point. These are great for chronic pain or muscle aches! They’re fast acting and won’t give you the “high” feel that comes with THC.
Distillate Syringe
These are also known as Rick Simpson Oil or RSO. These are mostly reserved for those who have very severe conditions, such as cancer, and need a high dose.
CBD Products
In Louisiana, CBD is very popular and is available at almost all of the dispensaries. This is a great option for those who want the medicinal effects of marijuana but do not want the psychoactive effects that come with THC.
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.