Louisiana Hemp Laws: Taxes and Rules May Change

Louisiana’s hemp industry is bracing for major changes as lawmakers propose new taxes and regulations that could impact consumers and retailers. With no recreational marijuana program and a tightly controlled medical marijuana system in place, Louisiana residents may soon be paying more for popular hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and THC-A.

Let’s break down what’s happening, what it could mean for you, and why now is the time to secure your medical marijuana card in Louisiana.

Hemp Tax Increase on the Horizon

State Representative Bryan Fontenot is pushing a bill that could drastically increase taxes on consumable hemp products. Right now, these products, including Delta-8 edibles and THC-A flower, are taxed at just 3%. But that number could jump to 15%, and possibly even 20%, if Representative Mike Echols gets his way.

For context, a $15 Delta-8 product would see tax go from $0.45 to $2.25 under Fontenot’s proposal, or to $3 under Echols’ plan. That’s a big leap, especially for small, local smoke shops and hemp retailers who rely on competitive pricing to survive.

According to Rep. Echols, the additional revenue would be used to support addiction recovery services and fund research into the long-term effects of hemp-derived cannabinoids. While he isn’t aiming to ban these products, his tone reflects growing caution among legislators over hemp’s legal loopholes and widespread availability.

However, Delta-8 and medical marijuana are not the same, so these new taxes wouldn't impact medical card holders who shop at medical marijuana dispensaries. Delta-8 is similar to THC because it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the body, but is only about half to a third as potent as THC. You would have to use a lot more Delta-8 to get the same effect as TCH.

What About Marijuana in Louisiana?

Louisiana doesn’t have a recreational marijuana program, so you can’t walk into a dispensary without a valid Louisiana medical marijuana card. 

Under current law, medical marijuana patients in Louisiana can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, a limit that applies to non-smokable, metered-dose forms like tinctures, inhalers, gummies, and even raw flower, for medical use only.

While the hemp and Delta-8 industry will feel the sting of higher taxes, due to Louisiana’s medical marijuana regulations, users who have a medical marijuana card will not be affected by the taxes. That means obtaining your medical marijuana card is the only secure and cost-effective way to legally access marijuana products in the state - that’s where we come in!

Why This Matters for Patients and Consumers

Let’s be real, most consumers exploring hemp-derived Delta-8 or THC-A are doing so as an attempt to legally get similar effects to marijuana without going through a doctor.

But that workaround is becoming more expensive, and potentially riskier. Unlike medical marijuana, hemp-derived cannabinoids are less regulated, not subject to the same quality control, and could soon carry hefty taxes.

With that in mind, getting a medical marijuana card just makes sense:

• You’re legally protected.

• You save money over time.

• You gain access to tested, high-quality marijuana products.

• You avoid the uncertainty of the shifting hemp laws.

A Safer Bet

Louisiana’s medical marijuana system might not be perfect, but it’s growing. The state now allows marijuana flower, a big shift from its earlier restriction to non-smokable forms. Patients with conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, cancer, and other qualifying conditions can qualify for medical marijuana with a recommendation from a certified physician.

Twenty-six state-sanctioned dispensaries currently operate in Louisiana, serving patients across all regions. These are not your typical smoke shops; they’re professional medical facilities offering lab-tested products and licensed pharmacists to help guide your treatment.

Will Louisiana Ever Legalize Recreational Marijuana?

There’s no clear timeline. Despite some advocacy and public support for recreational legalization, lawmakers in Louisiana have historically moved slowly, and cautiously, when it comes to marijuana reform. While hemp loopholes like Delta-8 have flourished due to federal legality, Louisiana’s firm stance on recreational marijuana means that medical use remains the only legal path forward.

If anything, the proposed tax hikes on hemp signal that Louisiana is tightening its grip, not loosening it.

With Louisiana’s hemp laws in flux, and no recreational program in sight, medical marijuana stands as the only reliable way to access marijuana products in the state. As the state looks to increase taxes on hemp, that $15 bag of Delta-8 gummies might start to cost nearly as much as a more potent and regulated medical marijuana product, without the same peace of mind.

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!