Medical cannabis has paved the way for thousands of Louisiana residents with debilitating medical conditions to live healthier and more productive lives. The Pelican state decriminalized marijuana for medical treatments in 2019. Now, over 43,000 residents benefit from using prescription marijuana as an alternative therapy to conventional medications and treatments.
Residents interested in becoming medical cannabis patients must apply to the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, overseen by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). After approval, patients can safely medicate without legal consequences to make their symptoms more manageable to improve their quality of life.
Louisiana is a bit of an outlier regarding medical marijuana laws across the country. Currently, there is no age requirement for medical marijuana treatment applicants. Anyone 18 and older with at least one of the previously mentioned medical ailments can apply.Â
Eligible patients under the age of 18 must be under the care of a primary physician and pediatric subspecialist. A primary doctor and pediatric specialist must authorize medical cannabis as a viable treatment option.
Minors qualifying on autistic spectrum criteria may be provided a caregiver to help with their medical marijuana treatments. Only approved legal parents and guardians, 21 or older, are authorized to become caregivers for autistic minor medical cannabis patients. Minors with other qualifying symptoms or medical conditions who meet all other Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program criteria can complete the application process themselves.
Residents must have a qualifying medical ailment or medical condition that causes debilitating symptoms. A formal diagnosis must be obtained from an approved physician. Anyone with at least one of the following qualifying diagnosable disorders is eligible for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana.
Minor patients with autism spectrum disorders that cause any of the above concerns must have their recommending doctor consult with a pediatric subspecialist to receive authorization for medical cannabis treatment.
Currently, there’s no fee for medical marijuana recommendation cards in Louisiana. However, a primary requirement of the program involves patients seeing an approved physician for evaluation and cannabis prescription certification. The costs of medical cannabis certification recommendations vary among medical providers and typically range from $150 to $300. Once diagnosed/certified by an approved medical cannabis physician, patients can start receiving treatments.
The state’s medical marijuana program is still in the expansion stages, leaving many questions for residents and patients interested in medical cannabis treatments. Below are some common questions and answers to help clear up any uncertainties or confusion.
With plenty of medical providers across the state, finding a credible and trustworthy marijuana doctor can be time-consuming. There’s also the cost of having multiple appointments for diagnostics to get a formal diagnosis. Fortunately, the Marijuana Doctors medical marijuana doctor network helps Louisiana residents save time and money.Â
We vet medical providers and streamline things even more, to help make the cost of medical marijuana more affordable and accessible to all. Finding an online licensed, qualified, and compassionate cannabis-friendly physician is as easy as clicking on the Find a Doctor locator link.
Medical cannabis recommendations are valid for one year, after which annual renewals are necessary for patients to continue using cannabis medicinally. Renewing patients need to simply see an approved medical provider for recertification and pay the appropriate provider-related fees.
Patient limits and consumption forms are determined by approved marijuana providers and dispensed by cannabis pharmacies. Patients are allowed up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or marijuana product equivalents every 14 days in the following consumption forms.
Everyone experiences the effects of medical marijuana differently and benefits from different administration methods. Patients should discuss their medical concerns and treatment goals with an approved marijuana pharmacist or physician for cannabis strain and product recommendations.
Having a medical marijuana prescription card means being able to procure medical marijuana products with different potencies from state-licensed dispensaries across the state. Medical marijuana treatment delivery services are available by select marijuana retail facilities. Use the Louisiana dispensary locator to see locations nearest you.
Marijuana Doctors is all about medical cannabis and removing barriers so patients can medicate safely and legally with their choice of marijuana treatments that work best for their conditions. Our medical cannabis network is available for patients and marijuana users everywhere. We’re a one-stop gateway for medical marijuana information, card evaluations and recommendations, and treatment guidance.
Medical cannabis is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a beneficial and effective therapeutic treatment of choice and necessity for many. Many states, including Louisiana, have paved the way for patients to medicate with marijuana legally. The first step involves seeing a qualified doctor to discuss symptoms. Contact Marijuana Doctors so you can get started on your medical cannabis treatments.