In the U.S., 38 out of the 50 states permit the use of medical marijuana, including Louisiana. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy plays a crucial role in regulating medical marijuana, including approving recommended forms, establishing guidelines for dispensaries, and ensuring compliance with state laws. Across these states, laws regarding medical marijuana differ and outline what types of marijuana are permitted, how much marijuana a person can possess, and the ways in which a person is allowed to use it.
The state of Louisiana recently passed a bill permitting the use of medical marijuana. There’s a myriad of rules, however, that accompany this law. One of the most notable laws pertaining to how medical marijuana is used states that patients can inhale the drug but not smoke it. The law also allows the dispensing of marijuana in its raw or crude form under specific conditions, such as age restrictions and clinician recommendations.
Who Can Use Medical Marijuana for a Debilitating Medical Condition in Louisiana?
Currently, the use of medical marijuana in the Pelican State is limited to people who have been diagnosed with one of the conditions outlined by the state. Some of the ailments and illnesses that make it permissible to use medical marijuana include:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/Aids
- Multiple Sclerosis
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Intractable pain
- Seizure disorders
- Traumatic brain injury
- …and more
These are considered debilitating medical conditions under Louisiana law.
People who believe they have a disease where the symptoms could be alleviated by medical marijuana should consult their primary care physician or a specialist who treats that illness. To obtain the medicine, a patient needs a written prescription from a doctor that could be filled at one of the state-approved pharmacies.
How Will Patients Be Allowed to Consume Medical Marijuana?
In early June 2019, the Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill that allows patients to inhale medical marijuana but not smoke it. This means that approved patients are able to take a predetermined dosage via a medical inhaler. The device used to inhale medical marijuana is very similar to a prescription inhaler for asthma. Louisiana law allows the use of therapeutic cannabis in various forms.
The inhaler was approved in addition to current treatments allowed under Louisiana law. Those include:
- Oils
- Edibles
- and extracts.
These forms of therapeutic marijuana are regulated to ensure safe and effective use. Patients are allowed to use these treatments according to written instructions from their doctors to manage the pain and symptoms of their diseases or conditions.
Medical Cannabis Treatment Options
Medical cannabis treatment options in Louisiana are designed to provide relief to patients with debilitating medical conditions. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to consume medical marijuana in various forms, including oils, pills, liquids, topical applications, and metered-dose inhalers. Patients can also inhale medical marijuana using a device similar to an asthma inhaler.
The variety of options ensures that patients can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. For instance, oils and pills offer a controlled dosage, while topical applications can provide localized relief. The metered-dose inhaler, which is akin to an asthma inhaler, allows patients to inhale medical marijuana in a precise and measured manner, ensuring they receive the correct dosage without the harmful effects of smoking.
These treatment options are available through state-approved pharmacies, and patients must follow the written instructions provided by their doctors. This ensures that the use of medical marijuana is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
What is the Future of Cannabis Laws in Louisiana?
Louisiana is at the forefront of medical cannabis laws in the southern United States. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners play crucial roles in regulating medical marijuana, including authorizing physicians to recommend it and overseeing its dispensing. In the Spring of 2020, Louisiana became the first southern state to permit medical cannabis use.
The Louisiana Department of Health manages licensing, patient qualifications, and the operations of marijuana pharmacies within the state’s medical marijuana framework. The future of medical cannabis looks promising for those who hope to benefit from its healing properties. Lawmakers predict that this law will be just one of many passed in the near future that opens up the possibilities of medical cannabis treatment for patients in the state.
Trusted Drug Defense Representation in Louisiana
Using marijuana without a medical prescription is still prohibited in Louisiana. Those caught using or selling marijuana can face serious charges, with penalties that include fines, time in jail, and probation. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, there’s no better person to have on your side than attorney Eric Johnson.
The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has decades of experience defending drug cases in Louisiana. To schedule a free consultation, call 318-377-1555 or contact us online. We are ready to provide a reliable defense for your situation.