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Louisiana Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker | Glamorous Hemp

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Louisiana Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Louisiana Hemp & Cannabis Overview

Louisiana has undergone significant changes in its approach to hemp and cannabis regulation in recent years. The state initially legalized medical marijuana in 2015 with limited conditions and has since expanded its medical program. Hemp was legalized following the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, opening the door for hemp cultivation and CBD products in the state.

This tracker provides comprehensive information on the evolving landscape of hemp and cannabis legislation in Louisiana, including key legislative milestones, current legal status of various cannabinoids, and valuable resources for patients, consumers, and businesses.

Current Status (as of October 2024):

  • Medical Cannabis: Legal with qualifying conditions and physician recommendation
  • Recreational Cannabis: Illegal, but possession of small amounts has been decriminalized in some municipalities
  • Hemp: Legal for cultivation with proper licensing; products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
  • CBD: Legal if derived from legally grown hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC

Louisiana Hemp & Cannabis Legislative Timeline

1991

Louisiana creates initial medical marijuana framework, but the program remained non-functional for decades due to lack of implementation mechanisms.

2015

SB 143 (Alario) established a workable medical marijuana program, allowing for the production, recommendation, and dispensing of medical marijuana to patients with qualifying conditions.

2018

HB 579 expanded qualifying conditions for medical marijuana to include PTSD, intractable pain, and certain other conditions.

2019

HB 491 legalized hemp cultivation and CBD products in Louisiana, aligning state law with the 2018 Farm Bill. The law defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

First medical marijuana sales begin in August 2019.

2020

HB 819 significantly expanded medical marijuana access by allowing physicians to recommend cannabis for any condition they consider debilitating to the patient.

2021

HB 391 decriminalized possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, reducing penalties to a fine of up to $100 with no possibility of jail time.

HB 514 expanded medical marijuana program by allowing for smokable flower products.

2022

HB 137 prohibited hemp products with more than 8mg of total THC per serving or more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC concentration.

HB 234 created licensing framework for hemp-derived product retailers.

2023

HB 605 established a regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC products, setting limits on THC content, instituting packaging requirements, and requiring age verification for purchases.

2024

HB 946 implemented stricter regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and other THC isomers, limiting total THC content per package and implementing additional consumer protections.

Legal Status of Cannabinoids in Louisiana

The legal status of various cannabinoids in Louisiana has evolved significantly with recent legislation. The following chart provides an overview of the current legal status as of October 2024:

Cannabinoid Legal Status Restrictions
CBD (Cannabidiol) Legal Must be derived from legally grown hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC Restricted Legal in medical marijuana program; Legal in hemp products at concentrations below 0.3%; Maximum 8mg per serving in hemp products
Delta-8 THC Restricted Legal with restrictions; products must comply with labeling, testing, and THC content limits; Maximum 8mg total THC per serving and 250mg per package
Delta-10 THC Restricted Legal with restrictions; products must comply with labeling, testing, and THC content limits; Maximum 8mg total THC per serving and 250mg per package
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) Restricted Legal with restrictions; subject to the same regulations as other hemp-derived THC isomers
THCO (THC-O-Acetate) Illegal Classified as a synthetic cannabinoid not naturally occurring in hemp
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) Restricted Legal with restrictions if hemp-derived; subject to total THC concentration limits
CBG (Cannabigerol) Legal No specific restrictions if derived from legally grown hemp
CBN (Cannabinol) Legal No specific restrictions if derived from legally grown hemp
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) Restricted Legal with restrictions; subject to total THC concentration limits

Important Notes:

  • All hemp-derived cannabinoid products must be properly tested and labeled according to state regulations.
  • Products must include QR codes linking to certificates of analysis from accredited laboratories.
  • Sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products to individuals under 21 is prohibited.
  • Retailers must obtain proper licensing from the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

Louisiana Hemp & Cannabis Resources

State Agencies

Medical Cannabis

Hemp Cultivation

Hemp Business Resources

Testing & Compliance

Advocacy Organizations

References & Additional Information

Legislative References

Academic & Research Resources

  • LSU AgCenter. (2023). Industrial Hemp Production in Louisiana: A Guide for Growers and Processors. Louisiana State University.
  • Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. (2022). Louisiana Hemp Economic Impact Report. Southern University.
  • Louisiana Department of Health. (2024). Medical Marijuana Patient and Physician Report. State of Louisiana.
  • National Conference of State Legislatures. (2024). State Industrial Hemp Statutes. NCSL.