How to open a dispensary in Louisiana

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On June 14, 2021, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed HB652, a decriminalization bill that will prevent individuals from being incarcerated within the state.

Marijuana is Louisiana is permitted for medical use only, which is regulated by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

Individuals with a legal recommendation from their doctor are permitted to possess and use medical marijuana, and state-licensed pharmacies may dispense medical marijuana. Only existing pharmacies are permitted to dispense medical marijuana.

Louisiana State University and Southern University are responsible for growing medical marijuana. No more than 10 pharmacies may obtain licenses to dispense marijuana within the state.

Application Fees/Start up costs

There are no applications available in Louisiana at this time.

Available License Types

No more than 10 pharmacies may obtain licenses to dispense marijuana within the state. Only existing pharmacies are allowed to dispense medical marijuana.

Louisiana State University and Southern University are responsible for cultivation of medical marijuana.

Qualifying Conditions

Cancer
Glaucoma
Parkinson’s disease
Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Seizure disorders
Epilepsy
Spasticity
Severe muscle spasms
Intractable pain
Crohn’s disease
Muscular dystrophy
Multiple sclerosis
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Louisiana Medical Marijuana Business Guidelines

The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy was tasked to regulate the dispensary program.
Only existing pharmacies are allowed to dispense medical marijuana
Not more than 10 pharmacies may obtain licenses to dispense marijuana within the state.
Louisiana State University and Southern University are the only authorized, licensed medical marijuana cultivators and processors. Louisiana State University is partnered with GB Sciences and Southern University is partnered with Ilera Holistic Healthcare for operations.
The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy has developed the rules for dispensing, supply, quality, testing and licensure for the program.

History

In 2015, Gov. Bobby Jindal signed SB 143, authorizing Louisiana’s physicians to recommend medical marijuana to qualifying patients. In May of 2016, the legislature passed S.B. 271 to augment the medical marijuana program, expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions and speeding up the growing and distribution process in order to provide medical marijuana to patients more quickly. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy was tasked with regulating the dispensary program.

In September 2018, the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners removed a rule that limited the number of patients allowed to receive medical recommendations. In addition to lifting the patient cap, the board agreed to remove a requirement for patients to see their doctor every 90 days to renew their order for medical cannabis. These actions will increase patient access to the state’s medical marijuana program.

market landscape

There are only two state-licensed cultivators — Louisiana State University and Southern University — and only LSU has harvested cannabis. In addition, the state has authorized only nine pharmacies* to dispense medical marijuana.

how to start a marijuana business louisiana

If you are just starting your marijuana business, the next best step is to start a Business Plan to help educate your team and be ready to apply for a marijuana business license. If you are ready to apply for a Marijuana Business License in Lousiana, please Contact us or call our offices to set an appointment to get started. You can also select another State Opportunity, or fill out our Contact Form to discuss potential strategies such as Investment or Partnership Opportunities.