Louisiana Cannabis History

While recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Louisiana, medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients and available for purchase at state-approved pharmacies.

Louisiana Act no 874 legalized medical marijuana use in 1991, but was heavily restricted. In June 2018, Edwards signed HB 579 and HB 627, which expanded the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana and called on LSU and Southern University to conduct research on the medicinal value of marijuana.

2020’s HB 819 both expanded the list of qualifying conditions and made it obsolete by allowing physicians to recommend marijuana for any debilitating condition they are qualified to treat if they believe the patient will benefit.

Louisiana Child-Resistant Packaging Rules

Louisiana Marijuana Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Labeling Requirements:

Each product shall be labeled by the licensee prior to sale to a marijuana pharmacy. Each label shall be securely affixed to the package and shall include:

1. the batch number(s) assigned by the licensee to the marijuana plant(s) from which the medical marijuana used in the product was harvested;
2. a complete list of solvents, chemicals and pesticides used in the creation of any medical marijuana concentrate;
3. a complete list of all ingredients used to manufacture the product, which may include a list of any potential allergens contained within, or used in the manufacture of a product;
4. the potency of the THC and CBD in the product, expressed in milligrams for each cannabinoid;
5. the net weight, using a standard of measure compatible with the LMMTS, of the product prior to its placement in the shipping container;
6. a product expiration date, upon which the product will no longer be fit for consumption, or a use-by date, upon which the product will no longer be optimally fresh. Once a label with a use-by or expiration date has been affixed to a product, the licensee shall not alter that date or affix a new label with a later use-by or expiration date; and
7. a statement that the product has been tested for contaminants, that there were no adverse findings, and the date of testing.
B. Labeling text on any product may not make any false or misleading statements regarding health or physical benefits to the consumer. Each label must include the following statements:
1. “Contains Medical Marijuana. For Medical Use Only. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.”;
2. “There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of this product for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.”;
3. a statement that it is illegal for any person to possess or consume the contents of the package other than the qualifying patient.
C. Labeling text required by this section to be placed on any product may be no smaller than 1/16 of an inch, must be printed in English and must be unobstructed and conspicuous.

Packaging Requirements:

A. The licensee shall ensure that every product being sent to a marijuana pharmacy for sale to a qualified patient is placed within a child resistant, light resistant, tamper proof container prior to sale or transport to the marijuana pharmacy.
B. If it is not intended for the entire product to be used at a single time, the packaging must be resealable in a manner that maintains its child resistant effectiveness for multiple openings.
C. A product may not be placed in packaging that specifically targets individuals under the age of 21. Any packaging must not:
1. bear any resemblance to a trademarked, characteristic or product-specialized packaging of any commercially available candy, snack, baked good or beverage;
2. use the word “candy” or “candies”;
3. use a cartoon, color scheme, image, graphic or feature that might make the package attractive to children; or
4. use a seal, flag, crest, coat of arms or other insignia that could reasonably lead any person to believe that the product has been endorsed, manufactured, or used by any state, parish, municipality or any agent thereof.
D. 1.The following information is permissible on a label: the product’s compatibility with dietary restrictions;
2. a nutritional fact panel.
AUTHORITY NOTE: 40:1046.
HISTORICAL NOTE:
Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, LR 43:1269 (July 2017).
§2903. Packaging Requirements
A. The licensee shall ensure that every product being sent to a marijuana pharmacy for sale to a qualified patient is
Promulgated
in accordance
with R.S.
Promulgated
by the Department of
Title
7, Part XLIX
AUTHORITY NOTE: 40:1046.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, LR 43:1270 (July 2017).

Useful Links for Louisiana Cannabis Regulations

Louisiana Medical Marijuana Laws & Qualifying Conditions
Louisiana Department of Health Board of Pharmacy Marijuana Regulations

Louisiana Cannabis Growers Application

Solicitation of Applications for Marijuana Pharmacy Permits

Sample Louisiana Grower License Application Packet

Editor's Note: Status as of 4/1/2021

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Cannabis Rules & Regulations: Louisiana

Louisiana Cannabis History

Louisiana Child-Resistant Packaging Rules

Useful Links for Louisiana Cannabis Regulations

Louisiana Cannabis Growers Application