Louisiana
Medical

Louisiana cannabis business compliance guide

Dutchie does not provide compliance advice. Merchants are responsible for their own compliance. External Dutchie compliance documentation may be updated from time to time and has been prepared for informational purposes only, is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or compliance advice. Merchants should consult their own tax, legal and compliance advisors to determine how best to operate within the cannabis industry.

Market Type

In Louisiana, cannabis is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and is called the LDH Cannabis Program. Medical cannabis is allowed; adult-use cannabis is prohibited. Louisiana also allows visiting out-of-state medical patients to purchase medical cannabis as long as they show their out-of-state medical card and matching photo identification.

Metrc and Inventory

Louisiana uses Metrc as their state traceability system for tracking seed to final packaging. Retail sales are not integrated with Metrc, however, and are instead reported to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy PMP system called the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Tracking System (LMMTS).

Purchase Limits

Medical

  • 2.5oz/71 grams every 14 days of raw or crude cannabis (flower)

Louisiana rules only specify purchasing limits for flower. However, edibles, tinctures, vapes and concentrate cannabis products are permitted to be sold. Purchasing limits for those types of products are imposed by Doctor’s prescription at their discretion.

Taxes

Retail:

  • State Sales Tax + Local County Tax
  • There is an additional tax of $3.50 per gram paid by dispensaries

Cultivation: 

7% off gross sales, paid by Producer

Delivery

Delivery is permitted in Louisiana. Each marijuana pharmacy shall offer home delivery to patients in each zip code within its region at least once per month.

Things to Note

  • Doctor prescription is location specific; only valid at one location
  • Advertising: Louisiana restricts advertising to the general public. Limited advertising is permitted as licensees may market its products directly to the licensed dispensaries and to physicians through direct mail, brochures or other means directed solely to the licensed dispensaries and/or physicians.

State Resources

The LDH compiles their final rules, statutory rules and changes here