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How to Get a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana

Online Consultation-TeleLeaf If you’re interested in getting medical marijuana in Louisiana today, then you’ve come at the right time. In fact, the Pelican State has long established its medical marijuana laws that make it legal for residents to obtain and consume medical marijuana products.

Baton Rouge was the first city to have a cannabis dispensary open in 2019. Today, there are many more qualifying medical conditions included in the medical marijuana program in the state.

Guidelines of Getting Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana

The first step in getting a medical marijuana recommendation is to know the laws. Medical cannabis laws differ from state to state, so it’s best to be aware of the laws placed on Louisiana’s medical marijuana legislation.

New Louisiana Marijuana Laws

Anyone looking for medical marijuana items in the state of Louisiana can rest assured of the law protecting their medical rights.

Act 491 and Act 492 (2022)

The 2022 Regular Legislator contains Act 491 and Act 492. These laws grant the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regulatory authority over the state’s therapeutic marijuana program. Its personnel will:

  • Conduct inspections of medical marijuana production facilities
  • Review finished cannabis product test results
  • Verify compliance of finished marijuana items with standard requirements

The LDH is collaborating with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) to smoothly enact the changes in administering the medical program. However, its fundamental mechanics remain the same.

Some key adjustments include:

  • New Regulatory Authority: The LDH now has the authority to regulate permitted medical marijuana manufacturers, which the LDAF used to have.
  • Satellite Location Policy: These medical laws created a patient-population-based mechanism, allowing licensed pharmacies and marijuana dispensaries to open “satellite” locations, increasing marijuana accessibility in the state.
  • Alternate Testing Policy: The new laws implemented a third-party laboratory approval mechanism. This way, laboratories aside from the LDAF Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory have the authority to test medical marijuana items.
  • Physician Recommendation Authority: Telemedicine appointments are now explicitly stated in the law. Thus, physicians have the legal authority to recommend medical marijuana to patients through such appointments.

House Bill 652 (2021)

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the law in June 2021, giving Louisiana a big step toward wider medical cannabis access. House Bill 652 reduces the threat of jail time for low-level offenses involving marijuana possession.

This Louisiana marijuana law took effect by August 1, 2021. Since then, a $100 fine was the only penalty for possessing up to 14 g of cannabis, for medical purposes or otherwise. Although there no longer is a threat of jail time, a person’s marijuana possession charges count as misdemeanors, which will remain on their criminal profile.

LA Medical Marijuana Law (2016)

Although this marijuana law was signed in 2016, it remains operational today. Some constant provisions include:

  • State-Licensed Dispensaries: Users in Louisiana seeking medical marijuana items can only get them from any of the nine distributing pharmacies that the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy has chosen.
  • Registered Patients: According to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, the estimated number of registered medical marijuana users is 29,030, as of April 2022.

Approved Conditions to Receive Treatment Using Medical Marijuana in Louisiana

Despite its legality, you can’t simply go into a shop that sells medical cannabis and purchase any product right away.

You’ll need to get a recommendation from a Louisiana doctor after they have determined that you have a condition that warrants the use of medical marijuana.

The good news is that a doctor’s recommendation is relatively easy to obtain. The main reason for this is because these physicians can recommend medical cannabis to almost any condition as long as they can see it improving the condition of a patient.

To give you an idea of the most common debilitating conditions you can qualify for, consider the list below:

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Pain
  • Insomnia / Trouble Sleeping
  • Arthritis
  • Muscle Spasm
  • Migraines / Headaches
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • Positive status for HIV/AIDS
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Seizures
  • Epilepsy
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Spinal cord damage with intractable spasticity
  • PTSD

Any other harmful condition in which a doctor believes a person can benefit from medical cannabis

Where to Buy Louisiana Medical Marijuana Dispensary Products

As stated above, you can only obtain medical marijuana from the various dispensaries spread throughout Louisiana by first acquiring a medical marijuana card. Once you have it, you can now purchase products from any of the nine dispensaries in the state.

It’s important to note that some pharmacies allow people to have their medical cannabis delivered straight to their homes.

medical marijuana card in LouisianaThese are the available dispensaries in Louisiana today:

  1. The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy in Alexandria
  2. The Apothecary Shoppe in Lafayette
  3. H&W Drug Store in New Orleans
  4. Capitol Wellness Solutions in Baton Rouge
  5. Medicis Pharmacy in Lake Charles
  6. Hope Pharmacy in Shreveport
  7. Green Leaf Dispensary in Houma
  8. Willow Pharmacy in Madisonville
  9. Delta Medmar in West Monroe

These medical cannabis dispensaries offer a range of products that people with a medical marijuana card can obtain. These licensed shops sell legal medical cannabis products designed to meet almost any qualifying symptom and preference.

Some of the most common items you can find sold here include medical marijuana tinctures, edibles, topicals, and distillate syringes.

Although most people love getting personal service when they visit a shop in person, there are also many who love shopping online because of the convenience it provides.

Do I need a medical marijuana card to get a medical cannabis recommendation in  Louisiana?

There is no physical card to carry. You’ll receive a printout similar to a prescription bottle. It will have your name and medicine info on it, and your doctor’s name.

To increase the chances of being certified for such products, it’s important to provide as much information as possible during your appointment that shows proof of your condition’s symptoms and past treatments.

Can you get a medical marijuana recommendation in Louisiana?

Yes, as long as you have a debilitating qualifying condition. See the list above.

You also need to meet with physician to determine more factors

Requirements to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you must first show a signed document that proves you have an existing condition. You also need to provide documentation about your identity.

In essence, you should prepare the following:

  • A filled-out intake form. Click “start my visit” when ready. You will have the option to select your appointment time.
  • A certificate signed by a qualified doctor and their recommendation. You need to meet with your doctor first.

The following are acceptable documents:

  • Copy of driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Vehicle registration
  • Voter’s registration

Correspondence from another state agency with current date or a current car insurance bill.

Get Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana Today

TeleLeaf Louisiana that can guide you through the entire process through our safe telemedicine website. We leverage a HIPAA-compliant platform where countless individuals have secured their medical marijuana certification.

Our virtual appointment service allows you to supply all of the necessary details and documentation in the comfort of your home. There’s no need to leave your house to get approved because our team of friendly and professional consultants will take care of everything else for you.

Are you ready to start the process of getting your medical marijuana card in Louisiana? Get in touch with us today to begin.