Louisiana has received its fair share of controversy with cannabis, from heavy penalization for cannabis possession to concerningly high prices for patients who are registered for a medical marijuana certification.
With the medical marijuana program on an uptrend in the State, many patients are applying for a medical marijuana certification and accessing legal medical cannabis products.
And while the medical marijuana program is still in its infancy, many patients and citizens are wondering what the progression of cannabis looks like and if Louisiana will legalize recreational cannabis in 2022.
Louisiana is a medical marijuana state that only allows two state-controlled cultivators and offers cannabis through pharmacies. Various parts of Louisiana have also decriminalized cannabis, leading many to wonder if legalization is on the horizon for the Creole State.
In this article, we’ll talk about the state of cannabis legalization in Louisiana, what legislators are focusing their time on, and how the medical marijuana program could change in Louisiana.
The State of Louisiana Cannabis in 2022
State Working to Improve Medical Marijuana Program
Louisiana got off to an interesting start in 2022 regarding cannabis.
The recent approval of cannabis flower as a purchasable product has excited many patients, but prices have remained a concern.
There is heightened attention on cannabis in Louisiana right now, after Senate candidate Gary Chambers openly smokes cannabis in an ad that went viral. There has been heightened concern to the existing conversation of limited cultivators in the state.
Unfortunately, last year’s legislative initiative to legalize and tax recreational cannabis, HB524, failed to pass, and 2022 has started off with Parish District Attorney petitioning against recreational legalization.
While the medical marijuana program is still getting its bugs flushed out, the future of recreational legalization looks a little hazy.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization Might Be Jumping the Gun in Louisiana
Recreational legalization might be a priority for much of Louisiana, but for medical marijuana patients, getting the MMJ program to work efficiently and affordably in Louisiana is the clear priority.
Without access to affordable medicine consistently, patients will be left behind, and legislators don’t want that to happen.
There are issues with only having two cultivators in Louisiana, and once patient registration reaches the daunting numbers that will inevitably arrive, the priorities for expanding and improving the medical marijuana program will become increasingly more obvious.
Recreational Legalization in Louisiana 2022
Recreational Legalization in Louisiana is Unlikely
Petitions have been filed against recreational marijuana before the legislative session even opened, so things aren’t looking incredibly positive for cannabis legalization in Louisiana for 2022.
Considering the state failed to pass legalization measures last year, it’s reasonable to assume the same would happen if recreational legalization was proposed this year; it’s not likely that there will be significant measures voted on.
There is a lot of attention on the current medical marijuana program concerning cultivation, pricing, accessibility, and regulation, and legislators have their work cut out for them.
And while comprehensive decriminalization might end up on the table, it seems unlikely that Louisiana would branch out to recreational legalization before the medical marijuana program is operating efficiently.
How the Medical Marijuana Program Could Encourage Legalization
Although Louisiana probably isn’t going to legalize recreational cannabis in 2022, if the bumps and kinks in the medical marijuana program aren’t handled appropriately, legislators may look to other methods to fix the problems.
Medical marijuana in Louisiana is tightly controlled, and making improvements to the system while its operating at a very early stage has proven to be difficult.
Currently, there are only two cannabis cultivators operating through the Louisiana education system, and while products have managed to arrive on pharmacy shelves, patients are pushing for better prices and more expansive access.
We might get that in 2022, as legislators are becoming more actively involved in the medical marijuana program. Its likely we’ll see some adjustments to how the program operates in 2023.
Provided that legislators don’t lean into recreational cannabis as an answer to a monopolized medical marijuana program, we expect legislation to correct some of the issues in 2022 that patients are experiencing with program.
And if that proves too difficult, we may see legalization in Louisiana, but it’s tough to say that would happen before 2023. All signs are pointing to the medical marijuana program this year, making it better, more efficient, and a more affordable system for medical marijuana patients.
When those issues are cleared up, legalization will likely move up on the list of priorities for legislators. That’s when we’ll see some real movement with Louisiana and recreational marijuana legalization.
Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Certification
Louisiana offers medical marijuana as an alternative medicine for patients who have received a medical marijuana certification. Patients with a qualifying condition can apply for a medical cannabis certification online and begin purchasing cannabis from 12 approved pharmacies. Patients can legally possess up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana.
Being a medical marijuana patient offers you legal protections to possess medical cannabis, and having a cannabis certification is the only way to ensure you are following the law in Louisiana.
Beat the lines and get your medical marijuana certification in Louisiana today, and you can even get certified for medical marijuana online for ease of use and convenience.
For questions about Louisiana’s medical marijuana program or how to become a medical marijuana patient in Louisiana, consult with one of our trusted doctors and book an online medical marijuana appointment today!
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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