Louisiana has a unique medical marijuana program operated through two state universities rather than private companies. The program has expanded significantly since 2015, now including flower (for vaporization), edibles, and various processed products. However, smoking is prohibited and home cultivation is not allowed. Recreational marijuana remains illegal statewide, though some areas have decriminalized possession. The 2025 pilot program proposal (HB627) could create limited adult-use sales through existing medical dispensaries if passed. Louisiana's program serves as a more conservative model compared to other medical cannabis states, with tight state control over cultivation and distribution.
To get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana: 1) Consult with a registered Louisiana physician who can certify you have a qualifying condition, 2) The doctor provides a recommendation (not a prescription) for medical cannabis, 3) Take the recommendation to a licensed dispensary to purchase products. There's no state-issued card system - just the physician recommendation.
Qualifying conditions include: cancer, positive status for HIV/AIDS, cachexia or wasting syndrome, seizure disorders including epilepsy, spasticity, Crohn's disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, severe muscle spasms, intractable pain, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, and any condition that a physician deems debilitating and for which other treatments have been ineffective.
The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the medical marijuana program. Louisiana State University and Southern University are the only licensed cultivators. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy regulates the dispensaries, while the Board of Medical Examiners oversees physician participation in the program.
Louisiana doesn't issue medical marijuana cards. Instead, patients receive recommendations directly from certified physicians, and these recommendations serve as authorization to purchase from licensed dispensaries. The state maintains records but doesn't issue physical or electronic cards to patients.
Qualified patients access medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries. Louisiana has gradually expanded the number of dispensary locations over recent years. Patients need a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a registered physician and must purchase products from licensed dispensaries only.
There are no state registration fees in Louisiana because the state doesn't issue medical marijuana cards. Patients pay for their physician consultation and the cost of cannabis products from dispensaries. Doctor visit costs vary, and product prices are set by the licensed dispensaries and cultivation facilities.
