Are you searching for a safe, reliable way to access medical cannabis in Louisiana? Marijuana has shown potential medical benefits for patients with qualifying conditions. This substance may provide patients with natural relief rather than turning to prescription medication for treatment.  Fortunately, the process to access medical cannabis is relatively straightforward. To legally obtain and use medical marijuana, patients must first receive a professional evaluation and get a recommendation from a licensed physician. If you would like to learn how to get the equivalent of a medical cannabis card in Louisiana, follow these three steps from Transformative Health Center.

Wondering How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Louisiana?

If you have questions about how to get the equivalent of a medical cannabis card in Louisiana, the process is simple. Follow these three steps:

Step 1: See if Your Medical Condition Qualifies

Marijuana is considered illegal at the federal level. However, many states including Louisiana permit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Individuals must first receive a diagnosis of a qualifying condition. This not only protects public health and safety but also prohibits individuals from obtaining the substance for non-medical use.

In Louisiana, medical marijuana can be used for its potential to help conditions including:

  • Autism
  • Epilepsy
  • Intractable Pain
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Seizures
  • Severe Anxiety
  • And more

To see if you have a debilitating medical condition that may qualify for medical marijuana use, view the Louisiana State Legislature’s list of approved conditions.

Step 2: Get a Professional Evaluation

Do you have a condition that could potentially allow for the use of medical marijuana? You must first get a state-issued medical marijuana card. If you are researching your options, you may be confused about how to get a medical cannabis card in Louisiana when the state does not issue hard-copy licenses. Don’t worry! In place of these cards, Louisiana physicians file recommendations for patients directly with their closest dispensary.

A professional evaluation for a medical marijuana recommendation typically includes a review of the patient’s medical history, including any previous or current medical conditions, treatments, and medications. If you are visiting Transformative Health Center for your evaluation, we can conduct appointments in-person or through a telemedicine visit. Please have official copies of your medical records regarding your qualifying condition ready. You can request copies from your past or present primary care physicians.

Step 3: Receive Your Recommendation & Visit Your Local Dispensary

If your doctor confirms that you have a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use, you can receive a recommendation. This is then sent directly to your closest Louisiana dispensary. You may then purchase up to 30 days’ worth of non-smokable marijuana such as oils, tinctures, chewables, lotions, transdermal patches, and more. You are also eligible for two and a half ounces of smokable marijuana flower.

Know the Laws

While patients may use medical marijuana in Louisiana with a recommendation, they may still face legal penalties for improper use. These include a fine of up to $50,000, potential imprisonment, or probation for possession without a medical recommendation or with the intent of redistribution. Louisiana law also prohibits the public use of marijuana. And, OWI/DWI laws dictate that patients may not operate a vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft after marijuana consumption. These penalties include 

  • A fine of $300 to $1000 and up to 6 months of jail time for first offenders
  • A fine of $750 to $1000 and up to 6 months of jail time for a second offense
  • Or a felony charge with a $2000 fine and up to 5 years in jail for a third offense

If an individual has been convicted of another OWI/DWI, vehicular homicide, or vehicular negligence charge within ten years prior, this may increase the severity of these penalties. 

Patients may be at risk for legal consequences, even if they have legally obtained marijuana per a medical recommendation. To ensure the safe and legal use of medical marijuana, make sure to stay up to date with Louisiana’s marijuana laws. And don’t hesitate to ask the experts at Transformative Health Center for guidelines on compliant use!

Contact Transformative Health Center for Medical Marijuana Recommendations

If you have researched how to get a medical cannabis card in Louisiana for your qualifying condition, we can help you learn all you need to know. Whether you have questions about medical marijuana, its medical potential, or how you can begin the process of getting a recommendation, our experts are ready to help.

New patients and renewing patients can contact Transformative Health Center at 225-888-4041 or send us a message. We are dedicated to informing patients about the possibilities of natural wellness. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, don’t wait to reach out to one of our kind and helpful representatives today!