Louisiana’s medical marijuana system is a little different than other states. Although Louisiana has a central registry for medical cannabis, they don’t actually issue cards; once you’re on the registry, you can go into a dispensary using standard ID, such as a driver’s license. This eliminates a step (along with a lot of paperwork!) and makes the process easier.
However, unlike most other medical states, Louisiana does not allow cannabis patients to grow their own medicine, which can pose a financial burden. Additionally, it can be challenging to find doctors who register Louisiana medical cannabis patients, and there are still relatively few dispensaries in the state.
Quick Guide to getting Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
There are just two steps in the process of getting Louisiana medical certification.
- Determine if you have a qualifying condition: Louisiana residents can qualify for medical marijuana if they have a qualifying condition. See below for the list of recognized conditions.
- Schedule a doctor’s consultation: A doctor licensed to prescribe medical cannabis in the state of Louisiana will evaluate you. If they think cannabis is appropriate to your condition, they will enter you into the state registry.
Read on for more information.
How to Get on the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Registry
Determine if you have a qualifying condition
Louisiana law allows cannabis to be prescribed for “intractable pain,” along with a range of medical conditions. Intractable pain essentially means pain so severe it would otherwise require opiates or be untreatable. Additionally, Louisianans can obtain medical cannabis licenses for
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cachexia (aka wasting syndrome)
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Muscular dystrophy
- Severe muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
2. Schedule a doctor’s consultation
In Louisiana, doctors need to have a special certification to prescribe medical cannabis, and qualifying doctors can be difficult to find in some areas. We can help you navigate the process, find a doctor and qualify, and you will only be charged if you succeed.
Once you find a doctor, bring your medical record and ID along for a consultation. The doctor will examine your medical history and conduct an exam to determine if you qualify. If you do, they will enter you into the state database and provide a certificate of recommendation, which they will fax to your local MMJ pharmacy.
Medical Marijuana Pharmacies in Louisiana
Louisiana has very rigid rules about what types of cannabis products are allowed, and where you can obtain them. Medical marijuana products are produced in a state-regulated monopoly, and cannabis in its raw form is not allowed. At the moment, only tinctures are available, although pharmacies expect other forms, such as metered doses and chewables to be available very soon.
Louisiana has also limited medical marijuana pharmacies to one per region. While that may change eventually, it’s going to be some time until patients have much choice in medical cannabis treatments, unfortunately. Louisiana medical marijuana patients should consider supplementing their medical cannabis with CBD products, which are legal in all fifty states. CBD is one of the most important ingredients in medical cannabis, and can be used to alleviate symptoms of most conditions cannabis is commonly prescribed for, without the psychoactive effects of THC. Here are some great CBD products to make your medical marijuana more effective.
Louisiana CBD Products
Papa & Barkley CBD Hemp Drops – 450mg (15ml)
Papa & Barkley CBD hemp drops are made with high quality CBD farmed in Colorado, and produced with no chemicals, solvents or artificial ingredients. This potent tincture is a great general purpose CBD supplement, backed by a 100% Happiness Guarantee.
RedWood Reserves Golden Redwood CBD Flower (3.5 g)
If you prefer your CBD in flower form, RedWood Reserves Golden Redwood is an excellent choice. This strain is a cross between Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami, with relaxing effects great for treating anxiety and tension. It’s also free of THC, making it legal to own and smoke or vaporize in Louisiana.
Mary’s Jane All-Natural Pain Relief Roll-On – 1000mg (10ml)
This all-natural roll-on is one of the most convenient ways to treat local pain, from sore muscles and joints to migraines. Packed with 1000mg of CBD, this medicine is extremely potent, without the psychoactive effects of THC. Just roll it over where it hurts for quick relief.
Bloom Farms CBD BLACKBERRY CBD MINI VAPOR PEN – 0.5 G
This flavorful vaporizer pen is a great way to enjoy therapeutic cannabinoids anywhere you need them. It contains 250mg of CBD in a broad spectrum extract, including CBC,BR, CBN and other therapeutic cannabinoids. The natural, plant-derived blackberry flavor and high quality hardware make it an enjoyable, and reliable way to consume CBD.
