What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana?
Louisiana allows medical marijuana for any condition a physician deems appropriate. Unlike most states, Louisiana removed the specific qualifying conditions list in 2022, giving licensed physicians discretion to recommend cannabis for any debilitating condition. MMJ.com offers telehealth evaluations for $149.99 with same-day certification and a 100% money-back guarantee.
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What conditions are commonly recommended in Louisiana?
Louisiana's Medical Marijuana Program, overseen by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, allows physicians to recommend medical cannabis for any condition. Common conditions include:
Chronic Pain and Related Conditions
- Chronic Pain (persistent pain lasting 3+ months)
- Intractable Pain (pain unresponsive to conventional treatments)
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Back Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Concussion
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Spasticity
Mental Health Conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Insomnia
Cancer and Terminal Illness
- Cancer (pain, nausea, appetite loss)
- Hospice/Terminal Illness
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Severe Nausea
Developmental and Spectrum Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Other Common Conditions
- HIV/AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Severe Muscle Spasms
- Migraines
How do I qualify for a Louisiana medical marijuana card?
Louisiana has one of the most accessible medical marijuana programs in the country. To qualify:
- Be a Louisiana resident with valid state ID
- Have a medical condition that your physician believes may be appropriate for cannabis treatment
- Complete a physician evaluation (telehealth evaluations are legal in Louisiana)
- Receive your recommendation and visit a licensed pharmacy to purchase
Unlike most states, Louisiana does NOT require patients to register with the state. Your physician's recommendation allows you to purchase immediately from licensed pharmacies.
How much does a Louisiana medical marijuana card cost?
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Physician Evaluation (MMJ.com) | $149.99 |
| State Registration Fee | $0 (No registration required) |
| Total Cost | $149.99 |
Louisiana does not require state registration—your physician's recommendation is all you need. MMJ.com provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not approved.
How is medical marijuana dispensed in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses a unique pharmacy-based model for medical cannabis distribution:
- Medical cannabis is dispensed through state-licensed pharmacies, not dispensaries
- Pharmacists counsel patients on proper use and dosing
- Products must meet strict pharmaceutical standards
- Only specific product forms are available (no smokable flower—oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and metered-dose inhalers)
About Commonly Recommended Conditions
Below is information about conditions commonly recommended by Louisiana physicians, along with research that may inform their recommendations.
Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Arthritis
These are among the most commonly recommended conditions in Louisiana. Physicians may consider research examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions when making recommendations. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Fiz et al., PLoS One 2011)
PTSD and Anxiety Disorders
PTSD and anxiety disorders are commonly recommended conditions in Louisiana. Physicians may consider research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD when making recommendations. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorders are commonly recommended conditions in Louisiana. Physicians may consider clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy when making recommendations. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Cancer, Cachexia, and Severe Nausea
Cancer and related conditions are commonly recommended in Louisiana. Physicians may consider research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients when making recommendations. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease
Neurological conditions are commonly recommended in Louisiana. Physicians may consider clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with spasticity and motor symptoms when making recommendations. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012) (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a commonly recommended condition in Louisiana. Physicians may consider emerging research examining cannabinoid use among autism patients when making recommendations. (Aran et al., Neurology 2019)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a commonly recommended condition in Louisiana. Physicians may consider research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients when making recommendations. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a commonly recommended condition in Louisiana. Physicians may consider early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure when making recommendations. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Gastrointestinal conditions are commonly recommended in Louisiana. Physicians may consider clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with inflammatory bowel conditions when making recommendations. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Can I grow marijuana at home in Louisiana?
No, home cultivation is not permitted in Louisiana. All medical cannabis must be obtained through state-licensed pharmacies.
How do caregivers and pediatric patients qualify?
Caregiver Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Complete background check
- Register with the state as a caregiver
- Can assist one or more qualified patients
Pediatric Patient Requirements
- Must receive recommendation from a licensed physician
- Parent or legal guardian must consent and may serve as caregiver
- Only non-smokable forms of cannabis are available for minors
Program Details
- Recommendation Validity: 1 year
- State Fee: $0 (no registration required)
- Product Forms: Oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, patches, inhalers (NO flower)
- Distribution: State-licensed pharmacies only (9 locations)
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana recommendation in Louisiana?
The telehealth evaluation takes 10-15 minutes, with same-day certification if approved. Louisiana does not require state registration, so you can visit a licensed pharmacy immediately after receiving your physician's recommendation.
Can out-of-state patients access Louisiana's medical marijuana program?
No, only Louisiana residents can access the state's medical marijuana program. You must have a valid Louisiana state ID or driver's license.
Does anxiety qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana allows physicians to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they deem appropriate, including anxiety disorders.
Can I use telehealth for my Louisiana medical marijuana evaluation?
Yes, Louisiana allows telehealth evaluations for medical marijuana recommendations. MMJ.com offers secure, HIPAA-compliant video consultations with Louisiana-licensed physicians.
What forms of medical marijuana are available in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers: oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, transdermal patches, and metered-dose inhalers. Smokable flower is not available in Louisiana.
How long does a Louisiana medical marijuana recommendation last?
Louisiana medical marijuana recommendations are typically valid for 1 year.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana in Louisiana?
Medical cannabis in Louisiana is dispensed exclusively through state-licensed pharmacies (not dispensaries). There are currently 9 pharmacy locations across Louisiana.
What is the approval rate for Louisiana medical marijuana evaluations?
MMJ.com maintains a 98% approval rate for qualified patients. If you're not approved, you receive a full refund under our 100% money-back guarantee.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Louisiana's medical marijuana program. Physician recommendations are made at the discretion of licensed Louisiana physicians. The information provided does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025