Louisiana

What are the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Laws?

In Louisiana, medical marijuana is legal, but it comes with certain restrictions regarding possession limits, purchase locations, and more. Physicians must have specific licensure from the Louisiana Medical Board to recommend medical marijuana, and their recommendation serves as the patient’s marijuana card. Patients can only obtain the recommended products at the designated pharmacy.

At present, Louisiana has nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers for medical marijuana. Patients can possess a one-month supply of products based on their physician’s determination. Non-smokable processed forms like gummies, pills, and capsules are highly recommended in the state.

Caregiver laws in Louisiana are stringent and only apply to patients under 18 with autism spectrum disorder, where the caregiver must be the parent or legal guardian. There are no current caregiver provisions for disabled adults or minors with other medical conditions.

Additionally, Louisiana residents with a medical marijuana recommendation are not allowed to grow their own marijuana, and doing so could lead to severe legal consequences.

How do I get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?

To initiate the process, you should visit any licensed physician who actively prescribes medical marijuana. Prior to your appointment, it’s essential to ensure that the physician is licensed and willing to provide medical marijuana recommendations, as not all physicians do so. During the appointment, the physician will assess your condition and determine if you qualify for medical marijuana treatment.

If you qualify, the physician will directly send a recommendation to the nearest pharmacy. They will also discuss the appropriate dosage and the most suitable cannabis products for your needs, ensuring that the correct cannabis type is sent to the pharmacy.

Alternatively, you have the option to work with Bluebird Wellness to obtain the medical marijuana you require in Louisiana. Bluebird Wellness facilitates secure and convenient online appointments with licensed Louisiana doctors who can provide the necessary recommendation to obtain medical marijuana in the state. They will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you know how to acquire a medical marijuana license in Louisiana.

Our appointments are affordable, and our doctors possess in-depth knowledge of medical marijuana and the various available products, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?

Obtaining your medical marijuana card in Louisiana is notably faster compared to other states. Once your physician issues the appropriate recommendation for medical marijuana and submits it to the Louisiana Medical Marijuana System, your order will be promptly processed and sent to the pharmacy.

You can typically pick up your prescription on the same day, making this a highly convenient process. These prescriptions are tracked through Louisiana PMP Aware, eliminating the need to wait for a medical marijuana card to arrive in the mail or for approval from a state board. However, securing an appointment with a Louisiana medical marijuana doctor may involve some waiting, as they are in high demand. Opting for an online medical marijuana recommendation through Bluebird Wellness can expedite this process.

How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?

To access medical marijuana in Louisiana, you’ll need to cover the expenses of your physician’s recommendation and the cost of the product. It’s essential to be aware that health insurance companies generally do not cover the expenses of medical marijuana appointments or products due to its federal illegality.

The cost of a recommendation can vary. Bluebird Wellness offers online appointments starting at $75 each, while in-person physician appointments may charge $200 or more for the recommendation. Additionally, marijuana in Louisiana is heavily taxed, resulting in potentially expensive products.

After receiving your initial recommendation from your physician, they can continue to send products to the pharmacy for you to pick up as needed. Presently, it remains unclear if or when patients need to renew their recommendation, so regular communication with your recommending physician is crucial.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for a Louisiana MMJ card?

The eligibility for medical marijuana mainly hinges on your physician’s assessment. In 2020, Louisiana implemented a significant legislative change that greatly broadened the range of conditions qualifying for medical marijuana treatment. Under this new law, registered doctors have the authority to suggest medical marijuana for individuals with persistent conditions they believe will experience positive effects from it, regardless of the specific condition.

Nevertheless, the state maintains a roster of recommended conditions for medical marijuana usage, which covers various chronic physical and mental health ailments like cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, among others.

Where can I find Louisiana dispensaries?

In Louisiana, the sale of weed doesn’t happen through regular dispensaries; instead, it occurs via licensed special pharmacies approved by the state. Presently, there are nine of these authorized pharmacies dispersed across major cities in Louisiana, and the state reserves the option to license and establish additional dispensaries in the future.

For those residing in rural or suburban regions, accessing a dispensary may require a considerable commute. However, when a medical marijuana doctor issues a recommendation, they will direct it to the nearest pharmacy to your location. The pharmacy staff possesses extensive knowledge about medical marijuana and can provide valuable assistance in comprehending the products you’ll be using.

What are Louisiana’s reciprocity laws for medical marijuana?

At present, Louisiana lacks reciprocity laws, meaning that possessing a medical marijuana card from another state does not grant you access to purchase medical marijuana within Louisiana. To buy medical marijuana in the state, you must be a Louisiana resident.

In 2020, Louisiana took significant strides to enhance medical marijuana accessibility. The law was amended to simplify the process for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and expanded the range of qualifying conditions.

Before 2021, Louisiana’s marijuana laws allowed the sale of tinctures, creams, select edibles, and distilled products, but smokable cannabis remained illegal. However, in 2021, Louisiana chose to legalize smokable products, with the implementation set for 2022. Nevertheless, despite these advancements, Louisiana currently only boasts nine dispensaries spread across the state.

If you’re interested in obtaining your medical marijuana card in Louisiana, contact Bluebird Wellness today. We offer secure and HIPAA-compliant online appointments, enabling you to acquire your medical marijuana card from the comfort of your home. Our licensed doctors possess extensive knowledge of Louisiana’s medical marijuana system and can address any inquiries you may have.

Adults 21 years or older can purchase up to three ounces (85 grams) of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (oils, tincture, edibles, vapes, etc.) in a single day for delivery in New York.

Under the current law, wherever smoking cigarettes is permitted, you can also smoke a joint. However, it’s important to note that smoking is not allowed in public parks. If caught smoking in restricted areas, you could face a fine of $125. The bill defines “in public” as including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the outdoor patios of restaurants and bars.

New York’s current marijuana laws do not permit medical marijuana reciprocity. Consequently, you cannot use an out-of-state medical card to access medical marijuana in New York.

Individuals who are 21 years of age or older in New York can cultivate cannabis for personal use within their homes. They are allowed to grow up to 6 cannabis plants, with 3 plants being mature and 3 plants being immature. However, it’s important to note that the immediate home cultivation of cannabis is not permitted. Each household is limited to a maximum of twelve plants, consisting of 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants.