Is marijuanas legalized in New Orleans
1. Recreational Marijuana
- Legal Status: Illegal under Louisiana state law.
- Decriminalization:
- Possession of 14 grams or less is decriminalized in New Orleans.
- Offense results in a $40 fine or no fine, with no arrest or jail time.
- Possession of more than 14 grams remains a criminal offense.
2. Medical Marijuana
- Legal statewide, including New Orleans.
- Qualifying Conditions: Chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and more.
- Access:
- Requires recommendation from a licensed Louisiana physician.
- Products available at state-regulated dispensaries.
- Forms Allowed:
- Flower (since 2022)
- Tinctures, edibles, metered-dose inhalers, topical products.
- Home cultivation: Illegal, even for medical patients.
3. Law Enforcement Policy
- City-Level Enforcement:
- New Orleans Police Department does not arrest for simple possession (≤14g).
- Focus on harm reduction and reducing nonviolent drug arrests.
4. Summary
- Recreational Use: Not legal, but small possession decriminalized.
- Medical Use: Legal with a doctor’s recommendation.
- No full legalization unless Louisiana changes state law.
