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.
Get Your Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card
What conditions are commonly treated with medical marijuana in Louisiana?
Louisiana's Medical Marijuana Program, overseen by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, allows physicians to recommend medical cannabis for any condition they believe will benefit from treatment. 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 would benefit from 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. Key differences from other states:
- 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)
What are the benefits of medical marijuana for common conditions?
Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Arthritis
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces chronic pain and inflammation, offering a safer alternative to opioids and NSAIDs.
Research Evidence: Studies show cannabis effectively lowers pain intensity, improving daily functioning with fewer side effects than traditional pain medications.
PTSD and Anxiety Disorders
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, and other trauma-related symptoms.
Research Evidence: Clinical research indicates significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety reduction, and overall emotional stability for patients with PTSD and anxiety.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces seizure frequency and severity.
Research Evidence: FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in controlling severe seizure disorders.
Cancer, Cachexia, and Severe Nausea
Therapeutic Benefits: Alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic pain, appetite loss, and provides comfort during treatment.
Research Evidence: Clinical trials confirm cannabinoids effectively reduce nausea and stimulate appetite, improving quality of life.
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease
Therapeutic Benefits: Manages muscle spasticity, tremors, and improves mobility.
Research Evidence: Clinical trials confirm significant reduction in muscle spasticity and improved motor function.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Therapeutic Benefits: May reduce behavioral issues, anxiety, and aggression; may improve communication in some patients.
Research Evidence: Emerging research shows promising results for symptom management, particularly for reducing disruptive behaviors.
Can I grow marijuana at home in Louisiana?
No, home cultivation is not permitted in Louisiana, even for medical marijuana patients. 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
- MMJ.com provides specialized guidance for families managing pediatric treatment
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. This makes Louisiana one of the most accessible programs in the country.
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 medical cannabis in the following forms: 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. Renewal evaluations are required annually to maintain access to medical cannabis.
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.
Do I need medical records for my Louisiana evaluation?
Medical records are helpful but not always required. Since Louisiana allows physicians to recommend cannabis for any condition they deem appropriate, your physician can evaluate your symptoms during the consultation.
Medical Disclaimer
Medical cannabis effects and effectiveness vary among individuals. Potential side effects include dizziness, sedation, cognitive impairment, and risk of dependency. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025