1. Medical Marijuana
Is marijuana legal in Louisiana
- Legalized since 2015 through Senate Bill 143.
- Expanded significantly in 2020 and 2022.
Qualifying Conditions
- Since August 2020, any debilitating condition can qualify, at the discretion of a Louisiana-licensed physician.
- No need to match a predefined list of conditions.
- Initially restricted to non-smokable forms: oils, tinctures, sprays, edibles, and topicals.
- As of January 2022, raw cannabis flower (for inhalation) is legally available for medical use.
Access and Distribution
- Limited to nine licensed pharmacies across the state.
- Only two state-sanctioned growers: Louisiana State University and Southern University (partnering with private entities).
- Supervised by:
- Agriculture and Forestry Department of Louisiana (LDAF)
- Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
2. Recreational Marijuana
Legal Status
- Still illegal in Louisiana.
Decriminalization
- In June 2021, legislation reduced penalties for possession of up to 14 grams to:
- $100 fine
- No arrest or jail time
- Possession over 14 grams, sale, or cultivation remains criminally punishable.
3. Public and Legislative Trends
- Increasing public support for full legalization.
- Multiple bills introduced in recent legislative sessions aiming to:
- Legalize recreational use.
- Expand decriminalization.
- As of 2025, no recreational legalization bills have passed.
Summary
- Medical marijuana is legal and accessible with physician approval.
- Recreational use remains illegal but partially decriminalized.
- Louisiana is moving cautiously toward broader legalization, reflecting shifting public opinion and policy reforms.
