Cannabis Business in Louisiana
- Louisiana Cannabis
- Cannabis Business in Louisiana
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Medical Cannabis in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) holds regulatory authority over the state's medical marijuana program. The LDH is responsible for inspecting medical marijuana production sites and examining finished product test results to ensure compliance with Louisiana law. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is collaborating with the LDH to make sure the transition to the new regulations is easy for existing cannabis businesses.
How to Obtain Medical Cannabis
Individuals seeking medical marijuana should consult with their primary care physician to obtain a recommendation. Licensed physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients with qualifying conditions, after establishing a genuine doctor-patient relationship. The physician will then send the recommendation to the patient's chosen medical marijuana pharmacy. There is no state fee for a physician's recommendation, but doctors may charge a fee for the consultation.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries
Although Louisiana does not utilize a medical marijuana card system, patients must be registered in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program and have a valid physician's recommendation to purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary. Beginning January 1, 2025, the LDH Cannabis Program will regulate marijuana dispensaries, taking over this responsibility from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. If someone is interested in exploring cannabis business for sale opportunities, they may want to look into the changing regulatory landscape for dispensaries.
Consumable Hemp Products
The LDH also oversees consumable hemp products in Louisiana. This includes registering consumable hemp products for sale, which can only be done by manufacturers or authorized third-party logistics providers. The LDH mandates that consumable hemp products be made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC and less than 1% total THC. Acceptable product types include:
- Tinctures
- Oils
- Salves
- Softgels
- Gummies
- Drinks
- Creams
- Ointments
- Lotions
- Lip balms
- Bath bombs
- Single-use syringes (without needles)
Labeling Requirements
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) handles retail dealer permits for those interested in selling consumable hemp products. The LDH regulates the labeling of hemp products, which must include a website address, scannable barcode, or QR code that links to a Certificate of Analysis. Product labels must clearly display the seller's full name and address, the identity of the product, and the net quantity of the contents. It is also necessary to note that the product is not for inhalation. Medical and therapeutic claims are prohibited on labels.
Industrial Hemp
The LDAF regulates the production, handling, and processing of non-consumable hemp products in Louisiana. In order to grow hemp legally, individuals must obtain a license. A grower's license enables a person to cultivate, harvest, handle, transport, and sell industrial hemp. The LDAF rigorously tests industrial hemp before harvest to make sure that total THC concentration levels do not exceed 0.3%. Any hemp found to contain more than 0.3% THC is deemed marijuana and is not compliant, while exceeding 1.0% THC will result in further regulatory actions.
Industrial Hemp Licensing
The LDAF is responsible for licensing individuals and businesses looking to produce non-consumable products, while the LDH handles licensing for consumable hemp products. The table below provides details about industrial hemp licenses in Louisiana:
| License | Agency | Cost | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growers License | LDAF | $500 | Permits the cultivation, harvesting, possession, handling, transport, and sale of industrial hemp. |
| Seed Producer License | LDAF | $500 | Authorizes the production, transport, and sale of industrial hemp seeds. |
| Non-Consumable Hemp Processor License | LDAF | $500 | Enables the processing, handling, and storage of industrial hemp for purposes other than human consumption or cosmetics. |
| Handler License | LDAF | $500 | Allows the transport, harvest, cleaning, testing, and delivery of industrial hemp. |
| Consumable Hemp Processor License | LDH | Variable | Allows the processing, handling, and storage of industrial hemp intended for human consumption or topical use. |
| Consumable Hemp Dealer (various types) | ATC | $175 | Allows the purchase and sale of hemp products intended for human consumption or cosmetics through various channels, including physical storefronts and online. |
Applicants for all industrial hemp licenses must be 18 years or older and undergo state and federal criminal background checks. They cannot have any felony convictions within 10 years of applying or any drug-related misdemeanor convictions within 2 years of applying. Applicants must also provide all required application materials and documentation, and ensure that all information is accurate. In the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, knowing the different licenses required for a cannabis business is essential.