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Is weed legalized in New Orleans and other LA cities? The citizens of Louisiana have been asking this question for a while.
The matter has been a hot topic for years. Back then, conventional wisdom was different. Most legislators didn’t see legal cannabis usage going beyond a handful of states. However, things have changed. Today, nearly half of those in the USA live in states where cannabis is legal.
So, what about Louisiana? Read on to find out more about the cannabis laws in the Pelican State.
History of cannabis legalization in Louisiana
The cannabis legislation in Louisiana has seen significant changes over the years. However, there’s still more work to be done.
Let’s look at a brief history of cannabis and how it impacted the state of Louisiana:
- 1978: The state legalizes the use of cannabis for certain medicinal purposes. The intent was to cater to the needs of glaucoma and cancer patients.
- 2015: The weed law in Louisiana lays the framework for medical cannabis dispensaries.
- 2019: The commencement of the distribution of legal cannabis in Louisiana begins.
- 2021: Gov. John Bel Edwards signs HB 391 into law, lifting the ban on raw smokable marijuana from January 1, 2022. Medical patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces.
What are the marijuana laws in Louisiana?
Recreational marijuana isn’t legal in Louisiana. It’s only permitted for consumption by medical patients with qualifying health conditions.
Individuals 18 and older can purchase medical marijuana from THC and CBD strains. All you need is a valid certificate from a licensed physician.
A 30-day supply of MMJ products is the limit. However, the final amount is determined by the recommending doctor.
Those under 18 years of age must designate an adult caregiver. They will buy and administer the medical weed on the patient’s behalf.
Based on the marijuana laws in Louisiana in 2023, patients can only purchase:
- Solutions
- Edibles
- Lotions
- Suspensions
- Sprays
- Patches
- Suppositories
- Extracts
- Metered-dose inhalers
- Oils
- Pills
- Tinctures
Patients can receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana flower every 14 days. It must be from a state-licensed dispensary. You don’t incur any sales tax on MMJ products.
Possession
The state decriminalized possession of less than 14 grams of cannabis. Instead of jail time, the punishment for this offense is a fine of $100. Amounts over 14 grams incur higher penalties. Repeat offenders are also punished more severely.
You can’t smoke weed and drive under New Orleans weed laws. This rule applies to most cities in Louisiana. It prohibits the smoking of weed in your car while on public roads. The law also protects an officer’s ability to use the smell of weed as a cause to search your vehicle.
The maximum amount of medical cannabis a cardholder can receive every 14 days is 2.5 ounces. This law prevents patients from abusing the system and sharing their prescribed allocation.
Cultivation
Weed isn’t legalized in New Orleans or other LA cities for cultivation purposes. You can’t grow cannabis seeds in Louisiana for personal use. Only licensed cultivators can legally grow cannabis plants for medical purposes.
Individuals or businesses can’t grow cannabis outside these two assigned state agencies:
- The Louisiana State University Agriculture Center
- Southern University Agriculture Center
Restrictions and limits
There are various cannabis restrictions and limits in the state of Louisiana. Let’s explore them below.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Louisiana?
Adults require a medical card to possess weed. The medical weed law in Louisiana allows up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) every fortnight. All medical weed must be obtained from a state-licensed dispensary.
Can I grow cannabis in Louisiana?
Cannabis cultivation in Louisiana for any purpose is illegal. Only licensed cultivators from the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and Southern University Agricultural Center can grow medical weed seeds.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Louisiana?
Recreational marijuana is illegal in the state of Louisiana. Failure to adhere to the law may land you a fine, jail time, or both.
On the flip side, individuals over the age of 18 can buy hemp-derived CBD. It should contain no more than 0.3% THC. Other forms, like delta-8 and delta-9, are also permitted for recreational use.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Louisiana?
The New Orleans marijuana law in 2023 doesn’t prohibit you from buying marijuana seeds. You can purchase cannabis seeds in all cities in Louisiana. However, you can’t germinate or grow them. You may only keep them as an adult novelty item, or souvenir.
Those seeking marijuana seeds for sale in Louisiana should consider Seed Supreme. With our vast experience in the industry, we’re the right choice.
We offer an extensive selection of high-quality, stable marijuana seeds for purchase. Keep them for the day you can lawfully germinate and grow marijuana in Louisiana.
Key takeaways
Recreational weed isn’t legalized in New Orleans or other LA cities. But there’s no need to be discouraged. Much progress has been made over the last few years.
Possessing small amounts of marijuana (up to 14 grams) is decriminalized in Louisiana. The only penalty is a $100 fine; no jail time. This was a big win for those in favor of legalizing the cannabis plant.
Cultivation for personal use remains illegal. You can store seeds of potent weed, but you can’t grow them until the laws change.
Medical marijuana is fully legal in the state of Louisiana. To get it, you need to be 18+ years old and have a medical card. You also have to be recommended by a licensed Louisiana doctor.
The legislative landscape in Louisiana is still evolving. It’s essential to be as up-to-date as possible. Stay tuned to Seed Supreme to ensure you abide by the laws and regulations in place.
Frequently asked questions
Here are our answers to frequently asked questions surrounding cannabis legalization in Louisiana.
What happens if you smoke weed in Louisiana?
Smoking weed in Louisiana is illegal for recreational users. Medical card holders can purchase and consume weed from a licensed pharmacy in the state. Smoking weed while driving is illegal.
Can you smoke on the street in New Orleans?
No, you can’t smoke cannabis on the street in New Orleans. Medical cannabis consumption should occur in private, enclosed areas. Even tobacco smokers have strict rules. They ban smoking in all closed-off public places of employment.
