In the U.S., 33 out of the 50 states permit the use of medical marijuana, including Louisiana. 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 is pertaining to how medical marijuana is used and that patients can inhale the drug but not smoke it.
Who Can Use Medical Marijuana 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 disorders
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/Aids
- Multiple Sclerosis
- PTSD
- …and more
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 Use 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.
The inhaler was approved in addition to current treatments allowed under Louisiana law. Those include:
- Oils
- Edibles
- and extracts.
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.
What is the Future of Cannabis Laws in Louisiana?
Louisiana is at the forefront of medical cannabis laws in the southern United States. This spring, Louisiana became the first southern state to permit medical cannabis use. 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. For example, marijuana for therapeutic purposes is expected to become available to certain individuals later this year.
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.