Table of contents
Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Laws
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana
Step 1 – Get in Touch with an LA Healthcare Provider
Step 2 – Schedule a Consultation
Cost of MMJ Card in LA
LA MMJ Card Qualifying Conditions
FAQ
How long does it take to receive a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
Can I grow my own marijuana with a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
Can I use my Louisiana medical marijuana card in other states?
Are there any restrictions or limitations on using medical marijuana with a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
Conclusion
The use of medical marijuana is a potential option in Louisiana for some people. An MMJ card, which allows access to medical marijuana to treat a variety of illnesses and disorders, may be available to residents of this state who are registered as medical patients. Please refer to our comprehensive guide to assess your eligibility as patients must satisfy certain conditions and fulfill certain requirements.
You’ll be relieved to learn that the process has gotten easier if you’re interested in obtaining a LA medical card. One of the simplest and most straightforward suggestion methods is provided by the state. Furthermore, more doctors are now able to certify patients as a result of recent law changes.
This article provides information on the application procedure and the processes required for approval, covering all the critical facts on obtaining a Louisiana medical marijuana card.
Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Laws
Up until recently, Louisiana had legal repercussions for even a little amount of marijuana possession. Thanks to the passage of HB 652, which decriminalized possession of up to 14 grams, by Governor Edwards. This crime is now classified as a misdemeanor, which carries a $100 fine but no jail term.
When it comes to selling or growing marijuana, the law is far tighter. In reality, any distribution or cultivation is a criminal punishable by a required minimum five-year prison sentence.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana
Obtaining an MMJ card in Louisiana provides you with legal safeguards against penalties, including the possibility of fines or imprisonment. Continue reading to learn the process of acquiring your card.
Step 1 â Get in Touch with an LA Healthcare Provider
It used to be challenging to locate a doctor who would suggest a patient for an MMJ card in Louisiana. In the past, certifying patients required doctors to complete an online programme to receive a Therapeutic Marijuana Registration permit.
Fortunately, things improved when Governor Edwards signed HB 819 into law in August 2020. This specific regulation authorizes all credible medical professionals who hold Louisiana medical licenses to recommend marijuana as a therapy option for qualified patients. Finding a physician willing to certify a patient for medical marijuana in Louisiana is simple today.
Step 2 â Schedule a Consultation
You now need to present medical records confirming the existence of a condition that meets the requirements. To avoid missing your appointment, make sure to arrive a few minutes early and have your state-issued ID card with a photo. The doctor will assess your health throughout the consultation, which usually lasts for 15 minutes. Furthermore, now is the perfect time to inquire about medical marijuana.
If the doctor determines that you are qualified to use medical marijuana in Louisiana, they will type up a referral form that acts as confirmation of your eligibility. Remember that you must also show identification proving your residency.
Step 3 â Sign up for a Louisiana State Government Account
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is in charge of overseeing grower permits, but unlike other states, there isn’t a Medical Marijuana (MMJ) program that is only available in Louisiana. Additionally, there is no online application process available, in contrast to other programs.
They will review the Board of Pharmacy’s Medical Cannabis Registry following a doctor’s recommendation. The doctor has the authority to add or remove patients from that registry as they see appropriate. You are able to buy, possess, and use several varieties of medicinal cannabis legally when your doctor enrolls you in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Registry.
Step 4 â Visit a Dispensary
Bring your doctor’s prescription with you when you visit an MMJ drugstore. The Prescription Monitoring Program Database will be checked by the pharmacy personnel to confirm your prescription.
It’s important to note that pharmacies, not dispensaries, are used to distribute marijuana in Louisiana. This distinction was made on purpose because these pharmacies function similarly to regular pharmacies that fill prescriptions. Employees in pharmacies in Louisiana typically have more knowledge about medical marijuana than those at dispensaries in other states.
Cost of MMJ Card in LA
A $75 state registration charge and a $200 average consultation fee make up the overall cost of getting a medicinal marijuana license in LA.
LA MMJ Card Qualifying Conditions
The roster of qualifying conditions for obtaining a medical marijuana card in LA comprises, but is not restricted to, the following:
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
Seizures / Epilepsy
Spasticity (including severe muscle spasms)
Crohnâs disease
Muscular dystrophy
Multiple sclerosis
Glaucoma
Parkinsonâs disease
Intractable pain
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Specific symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
Spastic quadriplegia
Also Read: How To Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card Online?
FAQ
How long does it take to receive a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
The Louisiana Department of Health may need a few weeks to examine and approve it. Consult the official guidelines or get in touch with the department for exact processing times.
Can I grow my own marijuana with a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
No, patients are not permitted under Louisiana law to grow their own marijuana. Only licensed dispensaries are permitted to grow medical marijuana and provide it to patients who have registered.
Can I use my Louisiana medical marijuana card in other states?
Your Louisiana medical marijuana card isn’t valid outside of Louisiana; it only works there. If you intend to use medicinal marijuana in another state, you must abide by its rules and laws and, if necessary, obtain a state-specific medical marijuana card.
Are there any restrictions or limitations on using medical marijuana with a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
There are some limitations and restrictions even though medical marijuana is permitted for registered patients in Louisiana. It’s critical to become familiar with the precise guidelines provided by the Louisiana Department of Health, such as possession restrictions and approved consumption places.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s medicinal marijuana program has a precise procedure that must be followed in order to receive a medical marijuana card. Patients who meet the requirements can get medicinal marijuana for their specified ailments by submitting an application to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
Related Topic: Is Marijuana Legal In Louisiana?Â