Medical Marijuana 101: What Louisiana Patients Need to Know

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If you are new to medical marijuana, it can be difficult to know where to start. Understanding the basics of marijuana, like the difference between THC and CBD, available product types, dosing, and Louisiana’s medical marijuana rules, can make the process easier to understand.

Louisiana has a medical marijuana program that allows patients to access marijuana through licensed dispensaries with a recommendation from an authorized marijuana doctor. Unlike some states, Louisiana does not require patients to match a closed list of qualifying conditions. Instead, a marijuana doctor can recommend medical marijuana for a condition they believe can improve with treatment.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana refers to marijuana used as part of a treatment plan to help manage symptoms associated with a medical condition. Marijuana contains naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. The two most commonly discussed cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana. It can also affect pain, appetite, mood, and other functions.

CBD, or cannabidiol, does not produce the same intoxicating effects as THC. CBD is also being studied for its potential effects on several symptoms and conditions.

Different marijuana products contain different amounts and combinations of THC, CBD, and other compounds. This is one reason it is important to pay attention to product information and follow the recommendations provided as part of your care.

What Types of Medical Marijuana Products Are Available?

Louisiana patients can find several types of medical marijuana products at licensed dispensaries. Available products can include flower, tinctures, oils, edibles, and other approved forms.

The effects of a product can depend on its THC and CBD content, how it is used, the amount taken, and individual factors. Starting with the recommended amount and paying attention to how your body responds can help you understand what works for you.

How Does Dosing Work?

There is no single dose that works for every patient. At Louisiana Marijuana Card, one of our marijuana doctors will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to determine whether medical marijuana is appropriate for you and at what capacity.

It is important to follow product directions and any recommendations provided by your marijuana doctor or dispensary staff. Taking more than recommended does not necessarily produce better results and can increase unwanted effects.

If you are trying a new product, give yourself time to understand how it affects you before making changes. Keep marijuana products stored safely and away from children and anyone who should not have access to them.

Who Can Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?

Louisiana does not require patients to match a specific list of qualifying conditions to participate in the medical marijuana program. This means any condition can qualify for treatment with a marijuana doctor’s approval. 

If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, you can learn more about how to qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana and schedule an evaluation with a Louisiana marijuana doctor.

How Do You Get Medical Marijuana in Louisiana?

Getting started with Louisiana's medical marijuana program begins with scheduling an appointment with a Louisiana medical marijuana doctor - that’s where we come in! During the evaluation, our marijuana doctor will learn about your medical history, ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, and determine whether a medical marijuana recommendation is appropriate.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, the entire evaluation can be completed through telemedicine, so you can speak with a marijuana doctor from the comfort of your home. Our patient support team is also available to help you prepare for your appointment, answer questions, and guide you through the process.

If approved, you'll receive a Louisiana medical marijuana recommendation that allows you to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed Louisiana dispensaries. Your marijuana doctor will send your recommendation directly to the dispensary of your choice, making the process quick and convenient. In many cases, patients can get approved and access a dispensary on the very same day. 

To purchase medical marijuana in Louisiana, you'll need an active medical marijuana recommendation and a valid government-issued photo ID. You do not need to print your recommendation, since licensed Louisiana dispensaries can verify your certification electronically once it has been submitted by your marijuana doctor. For patients who prefer to have something physical to carry, Louisiana Marijuana Card also offers personalized plastic patient cards, making it easier to keep your patient information readily available when visiting a dispensary.

Where Can You Use Medical Marijuana?

Having a medical marijuana recommendation does not mean you can use marijuana anywhere.

Louisiana prohibits public marijuana smoking, including in places such as public parks, sidewalks, restaurants, workplaces, public transportation, schools, and government buildings. Marijuana use in a moving vehicle is also prohibited. Private property, with permission from the property owner, is generally the safest place to use medical marijuana. Federal property, including national parks and military bases, is also off-limits because marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Patients should also be aware that Louisiana's medical marijuana laws do not override federal law or the laws of other states.

Final Thoughts

Medical marijuana 101 starts with understanding the basics: what THC and CBD are, how different products work, how dosing is approached, and what Louisiana law requires.

Louisiana's program also gives marijuana doctors flexibility when determining who can qualify. Meaning, a marijuana doctor can recommend medical marijuana for any condition determined to improve with the use of therapeutic marijuana as a treatment.

If you are considering medical marijuana in Louisiana, Louisiana Marijuana Card can help you get started with a medical evaluation from a qualified Louisiana marijuana doctor. Our team makes it easy to learn about your options and determine whether you qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation.

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

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