Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Louisiana?
The state established medical marijuana laws decades ago, and the first cannabis dispensary opened in Baton Rouge in August 2019. Since then, Louisiana’s medical marijuana program has expanded to include more qualifying conditions and more cannabis products, including medical marijuana flower. Many telehealth companies have penetrated the landscape offering quick recommendations. However, the law states that an in-person visit should occur early in the course of care.
Who are the producers of marijuana in Louisiana?
While Louisiana’s therapeutic cannabis laws have improved significantly, from the view point of the vendors and producers, there are still only two producers and nine dispensaries along with other restrictions that continue to drive up prices and restrict patient access. The two licensed medical-marijuana manufacturers are the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the Southern University Agricultural Center. Both producers use a third-party firm to handle the aspects of growth, processing, testing and transportation of the product. Then each batch of product is tested for purity and to ensure that it does not exceed the THC-content levels designated by the Louisiana state legislature. Lack of lab facilities is a major problem in the supply chain.
Who can prescribe medical marijuana?
Any board certified clinician authorized by the state to recommend medical marijuana may recommend raw or crude marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinols, or a chemical derivative of tetrahydrocannabinols for therapeutic use by any patient clinically diagnosed as suffering from a qualifying medical condition.
What conditions qualify for medical marijuana?
This is not an exhaustive list, but here are just a few of the conditions that may qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana:
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Huntington’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Motor neuron disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Seizure disorders
- Epilepsy
- Spasticity
- Severe muscle spasms
- Intractable pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- A concussion diagnosed by an authorized clinician
- Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease
- Any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care
What happens after meeting with your physician?
Once your physician has written your recommendation, they will submit the letter on your behalf to the pharmacy of your choosing, confirming your registration status with your chosen facility. Louisiana doesn’t have a medical card system. The state maintains a digital registry of certified patients who are searchable at any of the state’s dispensaries. You will not receive a physical card and you will not have to register with the state. If needed, you may request a copy of your recommendation letter, which will have an expiration date.
Schedule Your Virtual Session Today
Louisiana residents Book your consultation today and Dr. Warner or Lauren Broussard, APRN will determine if your condition qualifies you for a recommendation.
