Louisiana has been known to have some of the most restrictive laws regarding marijuana for decades. It is among the states where recreational marijuana is still prohibited, and possession is punishable by fines or jail time. However, some of these strict stances have been lifted for medical marijuana. For instance, while medical marijuana patients were previously not allowed to use cannabis flower and smokable marijuana, it has now been legalized after SB 391 was signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards in June 2021. This came as a reprieve, especially for most low-income patients who can now comfortably afford it. The first step to getting access to medical marijuana in Louisiana is to be confirmed by one of the reputable medical marijuanas doctors in Lafayette, Louisiana, to have a qualifying medical condition.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Access in Louisiana
Patients living with debilitating conditions and who need to manage their pain with marijuana can easily get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana. However, a doctor recognized by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners has to recommend it after assessing the patient’s condition. Below are some common conditions that can enable a patient to access a medical marijuana card in Louisiana.
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Concussion
- Crohn’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Motor-neuron disease
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Non-Epileptic Seizures
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Intractable Pain
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizure disorders
- Severe muscle spasm
- Spasticity
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Glaucoma
- Hospice or palliative care
- HIV/AIDS
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Lewy-body dementia
While all the conditions listed above are plausible reasons for getting an MMJ card, they are not the only ones. In a bid to expand access to medical marijuana, Louisiana passed Act 286 in 2020, which enables a qualified doctor to recommend medical marijuana to patients with any condition they believe can be managed with it. However, the recommending doctor should have the expertise and qualifications to treat the particular condition.
Finding the Right Medical Marijuana Doctor
While many doctors are becoming more open to considering marijuana to manage some conditions effectively, you should note that not all of them are willing to recommend it to their patients. Any qualified physician can recommend medical marijuana to a patient in Louisiana, but the relationship between them and the patient should be bona fide and professional. The good thing is that it’s now easier than ever to find a reputable physician willing to recommend medical marijuana if they believe it will help with your condition, thanks to the internet. Some expert marijuana doctors have made the process super fast and easy by offering 100% of their services online, from consultation to evaluating your condition and past medical records. Below is a list of 4 notable options to consider.
- Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctors: Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctors are the go-to marijuana doctors for patients seeking a hassle-free online medical evaluation. Their services are spread across seven Louisiana cities, and they hold a reputation for providing fast, easy, and affordable services for their patients.
- Green Leaf Medical Center: Green Leaf Medical Center is an alternative medicine practitioner based in Terrytown, Louisiana, and across 19 other states. Their individualized medical marijuana treatment plan is a perfect option, especially for patients with zero marijuana experience.
- Leafwell: Leafwell comprises an integrated team of specialists, including medical doctors and cannabis specialists who work together to increase access to medical cannabis. Their services are spread across several states, including Louisiana.
- The Remedy Room: The Remedy Room is a Medical Spa in Metairie, Louisiana, focused on providing innovative wellness services that include medical marijuana services. Their various wellness services, such as infusion therapy, offer a perfect blend for medical marijuana patients dealing with various conditions.
What Next after Identifying a Certified Physician?
After finding the right doctor for your medical cannabis needs, you’ll need to schedule an appointment for your evaluation (ensure to have your medical records, government-issued ID, and valid documentation to prove your residency). Suppose you’re found to be eligible for medical marijuana. In that case, the doctor will enter your name in the medical cannabis patients registry (unlike other states, Louisiana does not provide medical marijuana cards) and write you a recommendation that will enable you to buy your marijuana at any state-licensed pharmacy of your choice.
You might also be curious about how long you’ll be able to access medical marijuana after your eligibility is confirmed. Currently, there are no set time limitations for medical marijuana users in Louisiana. Your prescription must be updated every 3 months, and you’ll be allowed maximum marijuana purchases to last you a month.
