How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana

What is a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana?

A Louisiana medical marijuana recommendation is a document issued by a healthcare professional licensed by the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners authorizing the person named on the document to legally possess medical marijuana within the borders of the state. The prescription protects the individual named on it from being penalized for having up to 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana or a 30-day supply of medical marijuana products as determined by the certifying physician.

Who Can Apply for a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana?

Only a resident of Louisiana diagnosed with one or more qualifying conditions, as outlined in the state’s medical marijuana laws, may visit a state-licensed physician to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana?

With the consent of a parent or legal guardian, a minor can obtain a medical marijuana recommendation under the Louisiana medical marijuana program.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Recommendations in Louisiana in 2024?

According to Section 40:1046 of the Louisiana revised statutes, healthcare providers may issue medical marijuana recommendations for any of the following conditions:

• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• Any of the following neurodegenerative diseases and conditions:
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Huntington's disease
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Seizure disorders
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Severe muscle spasms
• Spasticity
• Intractable pain
• Crohn's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Any of the following medical conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder:
  • Avoidance of others or incapability to communicate of such acuteness that the physical health of the patient with autism is jeopardized
  • Self-stimulatory or repetitive behavior of such severity that the physical health of the patient with autism is jeopardized
  • Self-injuring behavior
  • Physically aggressive or destructive behavior
• Traumatic brain injury
• A concussion diagnosed by an authorized clinician
• Chronic pain related to fibromyalgia
• Chronic pain related to sickle cell disease
• Any condition for which a patient receives palliative care or hospice care
• Any condition that an authorized clinician, in his clinical opinion, considers debilitating to an individual patient and is qualified through his clinical education and training to treat

How Do I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana in 2024?

Louisiana only permits the State Board of Examiners-licensed physicians to issue medical marijuana recommendations. Therefore, to obtain a recommendation, you must schedule an appointment with a board-certified healthcare practitioner to get a medical marijuana recommendation.

Note that the state does not maintain a list of approved healthcare practitioners that applicants may use to find licensed professionals to issue their recommendations. However, you may speak with your primary healthcare provider to find out if they are authorized to issue medical marijuana recommendations. Alternatively, you may use the license verification tool on the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) website to verify if your physician is licensed by the LSBME.

How To Apply For A Medical Marijuana Recommendation In Person In Louisiana

To apply for a medical marijuana recommendation in person, follow these steps:

• Schedule an Appointment with a Qualified Physician: Locate a licensed Louisiana physician who is authorized to recommend medical marijuana. Schedule an in-person appointment with the physician. Note that the physician must satisfy the following conditions to be able to issue a valid medical marijuana recommendation to you:
  • Have a bonafide physician-doctor relationship with you
  • Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and remain in good standing with the Board
• Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents to support your application, including:
  • A valid government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver's license or passport
  • Proof of residency in Louisiana, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
  • Your complete medical records
• Attend the Consultation: Attend the appointment at the physician's office. During the consultation, the physician will review your medical history, discuss your qualifying condition, and assess whether using marijuana for the treatment of your condition is appropriate
• Obtain a Recommendation: If the physician determines that you qualify for medical marijuana, they will issue a certification, which will be faxed to your desired dispensary. You can also obtain a copy of the certification

How To Apply For A Medical Marijuana Recommendation By Mail In Louisiana

There are no provisions to apply for a medical marijuana recommendation by mail under the Louisiana medical marijuana program.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Recommendation?

Louisiana neither issues a medical marijuana card nor has a caregiver provision under its medical marijuana program. However, the state allows parents or legal guardians to pick up medical marijuana products from pharmacies for minor patients registered under the Louisiana medical marijuana program.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Recommendation?

You can obtain a medical marijuana recommendation on the same day you visit a qualified healthcare practitioner if you are determined to have one or more qualifying conditions. However, in certain circumstances, the physician may need you to undergo further tests to verify that you have a qualifying condition. This may mean you must schedule another visit to obtain a recommendation.

Getting a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Recommendation Online

Louisiana permits approved healthcare professionals to issue medical marijuana certifications by telemedicine. Therefore, you can schedule a telehealth appointment with any of the authorized healthcare providers authorized to issue medical marijuana recommendations. You can consult your primary care provider to see if they offer such a service. When scheduling the meeting, the healthcare provider will inform you about the documentation you should have ready for the appointment. Some of these include your previous medical records, proof of age, and proof of Louisiana residency.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Recommendation Cost in Louisiana?

There are no standard fees for obtaining a Louisiana medical marijuana recommendation, as the state has not set a specific fee to be charged by healthcare providers. Consultation fees vary from one provider to another. However, you can expect to pay up to $200 in some cases.

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Recommendation In Louisiana?

Louisiana medical marijuana law requires medical marijuana patients to be re-evaluated by their healthcare providers to ensure they still meet the conditions for participating in the state’s medical marijuana program. To initiate the process, patients are advised to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider in person or via telemedicine. They may need to also bring their medical records and other documentation to the meeting.

The re-evaluation process is similar to the initial examination process and is expected to be done annually. After re-evaluation, if a patient is determined to require medical marijuana to continue the treatment of a qualifying condition, their healthcare provider will issue a new certification, which will be forwarded to the patient's preferred dispensary or pharmacy.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana?

The following items are required when you visit a certifying healthcare provider for a medical marijuana recommendation in Louisiana:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Louisiana residency
• Medical records

Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in Louisiana?

Although Louisiana does not maintain a registry for medical marijuana patients under its medical marijuana program, medical marijuana patient information, as kept by their certifying healthcare providers, are treated with confidentiality. Medical records in Louisiana are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), meaning patient information is not accessible under the state public record laws.

Therefore, this means that your personal information, including your medical records, will not be disclosed to any individual, public entity, or private entity except under certain circumstances. For example, your medical marijuana records may be disclosed if it is required to do so by law or court order. It may also be disclosed if doing so is necessary to protect your or another person’s health or safety.

What Information Appears On A Louisiana Medical Marijuana Recommendation?

A Louisiana medical marijuana recommendation typically contains the following information:

• Patient Information: This typically includes your full name, date of birth, address, and other identifying information
• Patient ID Number: A unique identifier assigned to the patient by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
• Date of Recommendation: The date on which the certifying physician signed the recommendation
• Expiration Date: The date on which the recommendation will expire, usually one year from the date of issuance
• Physician Certification: A statement from the certifying physician confirming their recommendation for medical marijuana use
• Physician Information: Details about the recommending physician, including their name, medical license number, and contact information
• Qualifying Medical Condition: The specific medical condition for which the patient has been approved to use medical marijuana
• Restrictions on Use: Any limitations or restrictions on the patient’s use of medical marijuana, such as the maximum daily dosage or the approved forms of administration
• Physician Signature: The signature of your qualified physician, confirming their authorization for your medical marijuana use

Can Someone Track Me Down Through the Louisiana Registry?

Louisiana does not have a medical marijuana patient registry, meaning that there is no central repository for patient information. Patients’ recommendations issued by their certifying providers are sent to their preferred pharmacies and are used to track purchase limits.