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Yes, cannabis edibles are legal in Louisiana, but things aren’t as simple as they look. Even in 2023, recreational marijuana is not legal within the state.
However, measures are being taken to decriminalize adult marijuana possession up to some extent.
Louisiana's Cannabis Culture
The state of Louisiana has a very distinct and credible history among US states that have legalized medical marijuana so far. Historically, the state first legalized the use of medical cannabis for cancer and glaucoma patients back in 1978. The Alison Neustrom Act further expanded the state’s medical marijuana program in 2015, strengthening the roots of medical marijuana-based treatment in Louisiana’s cannabis culture.
Understanding Louisiana's Cannabis Legalization
As of 2023, only medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana while adult possession of recreational cannabis has been decriminalized to some extent. But marijuana laws in Louisiana weren’t as lenient as they are today.
A Brief History of Cannabis Laws in Louisiana
It is quite a surprise that Louisiana is known for a firm stance on cannabis legalization within the state. However, it became the first-ever US state to legalize cannabis for medical use back in 1978. Since then, the state didn’t frequently upgrade its medical marijuana laws till 2015 when Governor Edward Edwins signed the Louisiana medical marijuana act.
The Adult Use of Marijuana Act
Even though medical marijuana has been legalized within the state for the last 8 years, no credible efforts are being made to pass an act allowing adult use of cannabis within the state. But we do want to mention HB 652 which decriminalized small possession of cannabis throughout the state.
The Legal Status of Edibles
Only registered medical marijuana patients within the state can consume cannabis-infused edibles. However, there are certain rules and regulations revolving around cannabis edibles accessible to medical marijuana patients.
Edibles in Louisiana Regulations to Ensure Responsible Consumption
The most common form of cannabis edibles in Louisiana is gelatin-based gummies. Some dispensaries also offer edible products like chocolate bars, cookies, soft drinks, etc. As per the state regulations, each edible shouldn’t contain more than 8 milligrams of THC content per serving.
Key Regulations for Edible Consumption
As cannabis edibles are not available for consumption to everyone in Louisiana, certain restrictions determine whether you can consume cannabis edibles or not.
Age Restriction: 18 and Over
As per the state law, the patient be 18 years or older to apply for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana which allows them to legally consume cannabis edibles. A patient who is not yet 18 may still apply for a Louisiana medical marijuana card if they are accompanied by a designated caregiver.
Licensed Retailers: Buying from Authorized Sources
The state of Louisiana has a network of licensed and state-authorized marijuana dispensaries from where registered medical marijuana patients/caregivers can purchase the required products. This network allows the state to regulate its cannabis market with a commendable approach.
Packaging and Labeling: What to Look For
Not everyone is aware of what kind of marijuana products they should be taking in the beginning. That’s why, the state-authorized dispensaries offer products that mention their THC and cannabis content on the labels. Most of the dispensaries are even instructed by the state to help medical marijuana patients in terms of product purchase and selection.
THC Limits: Staying Within Legal Boundaries
As per the state regulation, cannabis edibles must not contain more than 8 milligrams of THC content per serving.
Where You Can and Can't Consume?
Cannabis edibles are only accessible to medical marijuana patients in Louisiana which already limits the number of individuals who can consume these products. Apart from this, there are certain places and instances when you can’t consume cannabis-filled edibles.
Public Consumption: Know the Restrictions
The state prohibits its registered medical marijuana users from consuming cannabis-filled edibles in public. Instead, patients can consume their favorite edibles in the comfort of their homes.
DUI Laws: Driving Under the Influence of Edibles
The state law mentions that any driver under the influence of alcohol, or marijuana, or having a BAC exceeding 0.08% can’t legally operate a motor vehicle under any condition.
Possession Limits: Staying within Legal Possession Limits
As per the state regulations, registered medical marijuana users can possess/consume cannabis edibles having not more than 8 milligrams of THC content per serving.
Where can I get edibles from in Louisiana?
The state of Louisiana has a well-established network of licensed dispensaries throughout the state. These dispensaries are established to facilitate registered medical marijuana users and regulate the state’s medical marijuana market.
Final Note
So far, the benefits of cannabis-filled edibles are only limited to registered medical marijuana users in Louisiana. Shortly, we do hope that qualifying adults can enjoy their favorite cannabis edibles as well.
