Understanding Louisiana’s THC Laws: From Medical to Hemp-Derived Products

Louisiana is one of the states that's pushed the needle when it comes to marijuana and THC. While the Bayou State hasn't made it legal to spark up and smoke anytime and anywhere, there are a lot of regulated and legal ways the state lets people get high. Whether it be the state's medicinal marijuana program or the legality of hemp-derived products like CBD and Delta-8, it's not hard to find a green leaf in Louisiana, so here are some important things to know.

Louisiana's Medical Marijuana Program: How to Qualify

Louisiana has had a medical program for marijuana since 2020, and in the years since, the industry has grown fast. The way it works it the state has to analyze and test marijuana products from approved farms, then it's passed on to a legal dispensary like Good Day Farm.

To get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, a patient will need a doctor to write a recommendation for treatment to approve the state process. From there, the state gives you approval to buy lab-tested and state-approved marijuana flower, gummies, wax, vapes, or whatever else the state approves. Now, be warned that because marijuana is still federally illegal, some employers might not approve even if you have a medical card.

An Over-The-Counter Alternative: Hemp-Derived Products

If you don't qualify for a medical card, or maybe just don't want to go through the hassle of getting approved, there are still a few options available, but maybe not as straightforward as the medical program. Louisiana's laws, like many states, allow anyone over 21 to buy hemp-derived THC products, things like Delta-8 or CBD gummies. It should be said, however, that Louisiana's laws prevent more than 40mg total of THC in each package sold, which, for someone like Joey Diaz, might be an issue.

The laws restrict any inhalable versions from being sold in the state, and gas stations aren't allowed to sell any hemp products. Another warning for those interested in hemp products, the whole concept is pretty new, and new high-potency versions like "THC-P" have started popping up in shops. These high-potency hemp products are legal under Louisiana's law, but reports of people getting sick after trying things like it aren't uncommon.