Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
In 2015, Louisiana legalized medical marijuana with passage of Senate Bill 143. However, it took several years for the program to be fully operational. By 2018, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the state opened its doors, and since then, the program has expanded. The Louisiana Cannabis Program is currently overseen by the Louisiana Department of Health.
As of 2024, Louisiana has fifteen (15) medical marijuana pharmacies (dispensaries) and two (2) growers to serve the entire state to serve nearly 38,286 registered patients.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
Cancer; Glaucoma; Parkinson’s disease; 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 (PTSD).
Authorized Forms of Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
Oils, extracts, tinctures, sprays, capsules, pills, solutions, suspension, gelatin-based chewables, lotions, transdermal patches, suppositories, metered-dosed inhalation, and flower.
Upcoming Applications for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses
Currently, there are no applications available in Louisiana.
Under Louisiana law, no more than ten (10) pharmacies may obtain licenses to dispense marijuana within the state. After the passage of House Bill 627, current licensed pharmacies are able to request “satellite” locations if the original dispensary location reaches 3,500 patients. As such, this increased the availability of allowable pharmacies from ten (10) to thirty (30) in the state.
At this time, Good Day Farm and Ilera Healthcare are the only two (2) entities responsible for all aspects of grow, processing, testing, and transport of medical cannabis. The permit expires and can be renewed each year on July 1st, and the fee costs $100,000.
If you are interested in entering Louisiana’s Medical Cannabis Program, schedule an appointment with us to discuss your options!
Last updated June 12th, 2024