It’s a historic day for Louisiana and the deep south, Medical Marijuana has finally arrived. It’s been four long years since the state passed the Medical Marijuana law, and patients have waited patiently after multiple delays and retesting.
But today the wait is finally over as Louisiana becomes the first deep south state to authorize a medical marijuana program. It is the first step in a long process of legalization in our state. Doctors, pharmacies, and patients are hoping this passage will allow new forms of Medical products flood the state. Studies have shown, passing Medical Marijuana laws eventually leads to recreational usage.
The states licensed grower behind the product, GB Sciences, has stated anywhere from 2,000 – 20,00 patients are seeking treatment in the state. With that number set to mature around 100,000 over the next few months. For now, it’s time to learn the facts of what is legal and was isn’t. Dive in below to see the top 8 facts we know so far about Medical legalization inside our great state of Louisiana.
1.) Medical marijuana is ONLY available to people with a qualifying medical condition
The only people who qualify for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana must exhibit the following disorders: intractable pain, cancer, AIDS, Cachexia or wasting syndrome, seizure disorders, epilepsy, spasticity, Crohn’s disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, severe muscle spasms, PTSD, Parkinson’s and certain people with autism spectrum disorder.
2.) The Drug is only found in dropper non-smokable form
The available product will be sold in dropper form only for the time being. Patients can buy the liquid in 30ML bottles.
3.) The liquid dose should be placed under their tongue until it dissolves
The product is only available in a tincture mixed with coconut oil. There are three different formulations all different levels of THC. THC is the component that gets people “high.”
4.) Doctors will not “prescribe” the drug. Instead, authorized doctors will issue “recommendations” for the medical treatment
84 doctors are authorized to “recommend” marijuana to eligible patients. A full list of doctors is available at https://online.lasbme.org/#/verifylicense. (Under “practitioner type,” select “therapeutic marijuana registration permit.” Then select “active” under the “license status” tab.
5.) Medical marijuana is not covered by insurance
The cost will range anywhere from $90-$200. The amount goes up based on the formula used to create the 30mL.
6.) There are only Nine initial licenses for medical marijuana pharmacies in different regions throughout the state
The only pharmacy to sell the product in the New Orleans region, H&W Drug Store, will not open until Aug. 12. Below is a full list of pharmacies throughout the state
- H&W Drug Store, 4718 Paris Ave., New Orleans
- Capitol Wellness Solutions, 7491 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge
- The Apothecary Shoppe, 620 Guilbeau Road, Suite A, Lafayette
- Willow Pharmacy, 1519 Highway 22 West, Suite 5, Madisonville
- Green Leaf Dispensary, 6048 W. Park Ave., Houma
- Medicis LLC, 1727 Imperial Blvd., Building 4, Lake Charles
7.) The medical marijuana law is set to or expire in 2025
The sate has 6 years to decide what is next for Louisiana. Advocates want the laws loosened, while some say it’s time for more studies. The GOP led state has been very reluctant to loosen any laws. Only time will tell which direction we head. If laws become more relaxed federally, expect Louisiana to follow.
8.) Only the State is allowed to grow inside Louisiana
Unlike other states with loosened medical laws, Louisana law only allows two licensed growers, LSU and Southern University. Both companies hired private firms to handle their growing operations. GB sciences are the first firm to deliver the product to Louisana.
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