Medical Marijuana is legal to possess and consume for Louisiana residents with a valid medical card, but having a card doesn’t allow you free reign to light up anywhere. Whether you’re smoking, vaping, or enjoying an edible, you should be aware of the state and federal regulations that limit where you can enjoy cannabis.
Remember, smoking marijuana without a medical card is not legal in the state of Louisiana and these tips only refer to where patients can smoke medical marijuana. If you need help getting your card, our staff of physicians are here to take you through a quick and easy evaluation. Schedule an appointment to see if you qualify, or call us at (833) 253-2943.
Can I Smoke Medical Marijuana in Public?
Unfortunately, according to the letter of the law, the answer to that question is “no.” Although medical marijuana is legal in the state of Louisiana, smoking cannabis in public is still against the law due to the state’s Smoke Free Air Act.
This act prohibits smoking (of cannabis, tobacco, or any other substance) in public places. This includes most workplaces and public areas, including restaurants with or without attached bars.
There is a gap in the legislation that allows smoking inside bars and gaming facilities, such as casinos. We would recommend checking with the staff before consuming cannabis in those establishments. You may not get into legal trouble if you have your medical card on you, but they may ask you to leave.
Technically, vaping is not smoking and is one of the most effective ways to enjoy medical marijuana. Unfortunately, the Clean Air Act also prohibits vaping in the same spaces it prohibits smoking.
Don’t Forget About Smoke-Free Marijuana Options
Remember that there are many ways to enjoy cannabis without blatantly lighting up. You can enjoy marijuana edibles and tinctures without being conspicuous. Technically, vaping is not smoking - you may enjoy your medical marijuana before going out, then get a ride, walk, or take public transportation to wherever you’re heading. As long as you aren’t visibly impaired, you should be fine.
Avoid Smoking in Your Car
Louisiana has made some recent legal changes that clarify it is illegal to smoke or vape marijuana in a moving vehicle. This applies to both drivers and passengers. You can technically smoke when a vehicle is parked, but we’d recommend avoiding that, because an officer could assume you were smoking beforehand, and no one needs their marijuana experience ruined by legal hassles.
The Best Place to Enjoy Medical Marijuana Is Still at Home.
Without a lot of public options, the best place for you to enjoy cannabis in Louisiana is still in the privacy of your own home. It is perfectly legal for medical marijuana card holders to possess and consume cannabis products in their private residences or on privately owned property.
Of course, if you are in a rental, you’ll want to check your rental agreement to make sure smoking is allowed. You won’t get into any legal-related trouble in that case, but you might have issues with your landlord.
DO NOT Bring Marijuana on Federal Property.
This information is important, because federal law supersedes state legislation. Although medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, possession of cannabis is still a crime on federal land, whether or not you have a medical card.
Technically, having marijuana on your person on federal land is against the law, even if you aren’t smoking, vaping or otherwise ingesting it. If you are going to be on federal property, leave your cannabis at home.
Federal land includes:
National parks
Military property
Any land under federal control
Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Medical Marijuana?
Even in the privacy of your own home, you will need a Louisiana medical card to consume cannabis. If you don’t have your card yet, we can help you with that.
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you 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 during a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home, but if you reserve an appointment online today, you’ll also save $25 off the cost of the appointment!
We’ll even refund the total appointment cost if you and your doctor conclude that medical marijuana isn’t right for you. You have nothing to lose, and a world of potential health benefits to gain!
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!