How do I enroll in Louisiana's medical marijuana program?

Five steps: (1) See a Louisiana-licensed physician (in-person or telemedicine while in Louisiana); (2) Receive the recommendation document; (3) Choose a pharmacy from the ten Louisiana Marijuana Pharmacies; (4) Register at the pharmacy with intake, ID, and consultation; (5) Pay out-of-pocket plus 7% state sales tax — insurance does not cover.

Can I use telemedicine to get a Louisiana medical marijuana card?

Yes. Louisiana permits telemedicine recommendation visits with Louisiana-licensed physicians. The patient must be physically located in Louisiana during the visit. Multiple online services connect Louisiana patients to recommending physicians; turnaround is typically 1–3 days from visit to first pharmacy purchase.

How much does a Louisiana medical marijuana card cost?

Initial physician recommendation visit: typically $150–$300. Annual renewal: typically $75–$150. Plus per-purchase cannabis costs ($45–$60 per eighth of flower) plus 7% state sales tax. A typical patient using one ounce per month spends roughly $400–$500/month total.

How to Enroll in Louisiana's Medical Cannabis Program

Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you take other medications.

Last verified: April 2026

The Five-Step Path

Step 1: See a Recommending Physician

A Louisiana-licensed MD or DO in good standing is required. The physician does not need a separate "marijuana license" but must be willing to recommend. Most patients use a physician who specializes in cannabis recommendation; some incorporate it into broader pain-management or behavioral-health practices.

Telemedicine recommendations are permitted; the patient must be physically located in Louisiana at the time of the visit.

Step 2: Receive the Recommendation

The physician documents and uploads the recommendation. It is not technically a "prescription" because cannabis remains federally Schedule I. The recommendation document specifies the condition, the recommended product class, and renewal date.

Step 3: Choose a Pharmacy

Patients are not locked to a single pharmacy by region the way Florida patients are tied to a specific MMTC. See the ten pharmacies. Most patients choose by proximity, but cross-region registration is permitted.

Step 4: Register at the Pharmacy

First visit involves an intake, ID verification, and consultation with the pharmacist-in-charge or pharmacy technician. Most pharmacies accept registration once and roll forward — subsequent visits are quicker.

Step 5: Pay

Cannabis is paid out-of-pocket. Insurance does not cover it. The state imposes a 7% sales tax on medical cannabis dispensary sales — added by 2019 legislation as a compromise to fund the regulatory program.

What to Bring on Your First Visit

Louisiana driver's license or state ID (proof of residency required).
The physician recommendation (sometimes already in the pharmacy's system electronically).
Payment method — most pharmacies accept cash, debit, and increasingly some credit-card options.
List of current medications for pharmacist drug-interaction counseling.
Time — first-visit intake plus consultation typically runs 30–60 minutes.

Cost Reality

Physician recommendation visit — typically $150–$300 (out-of-pocket; some insurance covers if billed under the underlying condition).
Annual recommendation renewal — typically $75–$150.
Cannabis flower — $45–$60 per eighth (3.5g).
State sales tax — 7%.
Travel — most patients drive 30–90 minutes per refill.

A typical Louisiana medical patient using one ounce per month spends roughly $400–$500/month on cannabis plus the recommendation fees.

What's Not Allowed

No home cultivation. Growing any amount is manufacture under §40:966(A).
No public consumption. Smoking flower in public can draw a citation.
No employer protection beyond the narrow Act 491 carve-outs.
No reciprocity. Out-of-state cards do not work.
No interstate transport. Cannabis can't legally cross state lines, even between two medical states.

Workplace Considerations Before Enrolling

Talk to a Louisiana Employment Attorney First if Your Job Has Federal Nexus

For Louisiana patients in federally-regulated workplaces — DOT-covered (CDL, offshore, pipeline, port pilots), DoD installations, federal contractors with security clearances, NASA primes — enrolling in the medical program may not protect your job. Talk to an employment attorney before enrolling. See federal workplace guide.

Telemedicine Quick Path

For patients who want to enroll without an in-person physician visit:

Schedule a telemedicine visit with a Louisiana-licensed cannabis physician (multiple online services connect Louisiana patients to recommending doctors).
Complete the visit online while physically in Louisiana.
Receive the recommendation electronically; it's uploaded to the pharmacy registration system.
Drive to your chosen pharmacy for the in-person dispense.

Total time from telemedicine visit to walking out of the pharmacy with product: typically 1–3 days.

For Caregivers and Home-Bound Patients

Louisiana permits caregiver designations for patients who cannot personally visit the pharmacy. Limited delivery is available for caregivers and home-bound patients in some regions; check with your specific pharmacy.