A little over two thirds of Louisiana voters favor the legalization of cannabis. That’s right—67%! There are currently about 30,000 registered medical marijuana patients in the State of Louisiana.
Even though most residents of the Bayou state support the process of legalization, state officials have been slow to enact less restrictive legislation.
However, the state continues to make progress, even if it is slower than most would like to see. Some new bills have recently been passed and enacted, which is great news for hopeful Louisiana residents.
New Legislation
As of August 1, all of these new bills are being considered in the state of Louisiana:
Act 473: This act bars police officers from conducting a warrantless search of a residence based solely on the odor of cannabis.
Act 651: This act further protects medical marijuana patients from discrimination in the workplace and mandates that, “No state employer shall subject an employee or prospective employee to negative employment consequences based solely on a positive drug test for marijuana.” This is ONLY applicable to state-registered medical marijuana patients.
Act 449: This act legalizes any paraphernalia which is “solely used or intended for use for the inhalation of raw or crude marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinols, or a chemical derivative of tetrahydrocannabinols when the person is a patient of a state-sponsored medical marijuana program.”
Act 439: This act provides some immunity for out-of-state medical cannabis patients as far as criminal prosecution goes.
Act 444: This act expands the listed types of practitioners who can issue a medical marijuana card to patients. This includes certain nurse practitioners.
Act 478: This legislation makes it illegal for a person who is either a passenger or driver or a motor vehicle to smoke or vape marijuana while the vehicle is being operated. This act can only be enforced if the officer detains the driver for another reason, making it a secondary action.
Impact
Although the new legislation seems less than groundbreaking, each act passed and enacted is proof of the slow but eventual disappearance of cannabis stigma.
All of these acts are common-sense reforms that will help protect patients who benefit from medical marijuana.
If you are curious about fines and penalties as they relate to marijuana in the state of Louisiana, click here to learn more.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Although state laws will be ever-changing, Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is currently active. You can start reaping the benefits of cannabis today if you have one of the state-determined qualifying conditions!
Cannabis is a great alternative medicine option 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!
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!
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