Louisiana Marijuana License

Louisiana's medical marijuana program has expanded since it began selling products in 2019. Oversight has moved to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which took over cultivation in 2022 and retail pharmacies on January 1, 2025.

The market is tightly limited. There are two cultivation licenses, originally held by the LSU and Southern University agricultural centers, and a capped number of therapeutic marijuana pharmacies (about 23 open, with a cap of 30). Pharmacies can add satellite locations once they reach patient thresholds. The program has been extended to 2030.

• Cultivation and manufacturing: 2 licenses statewide
• Therapeutic marijuana pharmacy: capped, with satellite locations allowed
• Testing laboratories

• Pharmacies must be run by licensed pharmacists
• State security, tracking and testing rules apply
• New entrants need an open slot under the pharmacy cap

• Fees are set by LDH rules for each license type
• Pharmacy permits are limited, so there's no open application round

1. Check LDH for any open pharmacy or satellite opportunities.
2. Partner with a licensed pharmacist and secure a compliant location.
3. Apply to LDH and pass inspection.

• Medical use only; adult-use bills have been proposed but not passed
• Patients may buy up to 2.5 ounces of flower every 14 days
• Possessing 14 grams or less without a recommendation is a misdemeanor with a $100 fine

• Any condition a Louisiana-licensed physician considers debilitating
• No state ID card is required

1. See any Louisiana-licensed physician in good standing, including by telehealth.
2. Your physician sends the recommendation to your chosen pharmacy.
3. Buy products at that pharmacy.