Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Legal (2015) | 2015 (HB 149) | No | Licensed dispensaries — 10 statewide, medical card required | USD 50-90/product | No |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2015 | HB 149 passes — medical cannabis legalised; implementation delayed for years |
| 2019 | First dispensaries open; limited product range initially |
| 2021 | HB 391 adds smokable flower and raw cannabis; programme significantly expanded |
| 2022 | Patient registration surges following flower legalisation |
| 2024 | Ten licensed dispensaries statewide; 10 per parish cap under review |
How to Access Cannabis in Louisiana
- Consult a Louisiana-licensed physician and discuss your qualifying condition
- Physician recommends cannabis through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy patient system
- Obtain a Louisiana medical marijuana ID card from the Board of Pharmacy
- Visit one of the 10 licensed dispensaries (one per Board of Pharmacy district)
- Patients may possess a 30-day supply; possession limits set by physician recommendation
Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Cachexia
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Crohn's disease
- Intractable nausea
- ALS
Licensed Dispensaries & Providers
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Board of Pharmacy | pharmacy.la.gov | Official regulator — dispensary list and patient registry |
| Wellcana | wellcana.com | Licensed Louisiana dispensary — multiple locations |
| Vyryde | vyryde.com | Louisiana dispensary with flower and extracts |
| Columbia Care Louisiana | N/A | Licensed Louisiana dispensary operator |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Flower (3.5g) | USD 50-90 | No insurance coverage |
| Oil tincture (30ml) | USD 60-100 | No coverage |
| Topical (60g) | USD 40-80 | No coverage |
| Patient card (annual) | USD 50 | Not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in Louisiana?+
Yes — Louisiana has had a medical cannabis programme since 2015. Smokable flower was added in 2021. Ten licensed dispensaries operate statewide. Recreational cannabis is not legal.
How do I get a medical card in Louisiana?+
A Louisiana-licensed physician recommends cannabis through the state system. You then register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy for your patient ID card (USD 50/year).
Is smokable cannabis available in Louisiana?+
Yes — since 2021, raw cannabis flower may be purchased at licensed dispensaries. This significantly expanded the product range beyond the original tincture-only model.
How many dispensaries are in Louisiana?+
Louisiana has exactly 10 licensed dispensaries — one per Board of Pharmacy district. This cap has been criticised for limiting access, particularly in rural areas.
Is recreational cannabis legal in Louisiana?+
No — only medical cannabis is legal. Possession of 14g or less without a card was reduced to a civil fine (USD 100) in 2021, but recreational sales remain prohibited.
Who grows cannabis for Louisiana dispensaries?+
All medical cannabis in Louisiana is grown exclusively under contract by LSU AgCenter (Louisiana State University) and Southern University. This unique dual-university model is unlike any other state.