If you want to buy CBD oil legally in Louisiana, this article will clear up any concerns about the law and point you in the direction of a few reliable suppliers.
CBD oil is gaining a lot of traction in the United States. As it continues to become more popular, more people are wondering how to get their hands on it.
The problem is, CBD can be derived from both flowering marijuana and industrial hemp plants. This is important because the source of your CBD oil changes how it’s viewed under Louisiana law.
By the end of this article, you’ll become an informed CBD oil customer. You’ll feel confident in your purchase knowing you’re operating within the law— despite their confusing nature in the cannabis space. However, as a general rule, it’s easiest to purchase your CBD oils online.
You can legally purchase hemp-sourced CBD oils in Louisiana.
Before the Agricultural Act of 2018, hemp was viewed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are those that the government deems to be highly addictive, have no medicinal value, and cannot be used safely even under medical supervision.
Other drugs in that category include heroin, meth, and LSD.
When industrial hemp was removed from this list, it became legal to buy and sell products derived from hemp products in Louisiana and across America.
As additional reliability of CBD’s legality: Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 491 into law in June 2019. The law authorizes the sale of hemp-derived CBD products with a THC concentration of less than 0.3%.
Without a doctor’s recommendation, marijuana-derived CBD oils are illegal to possess in Louisiana. This is mainly due to the THC content of marijuana-derived oils.
The government sees these products as the same as marijuana.
Industrial hemp, on the other hand, doesn’t contain enough THC to get the user high. CBD oils derived from industrial hemp typically contain less than 0.3% THC and are legal in all 50 states.
With this knowledge, you are just about ready to make your first CBD oil purchase. There are a few tips you should know to ensure that you get the best CBD oil for a great price.
The CBD oil industry has grown exponentially over the past few years; this has caused a bunch of sketchy companies to pop up and try to take advantage of uninformed customers.
There are a few precautions you can take to protect yourself from these low-quality CBD oils.
If you follow these steps, you will be able to avoid the majority of companies selling “miracle CBD oils” that don’t contain any CBD.
Now for the exciting part.
Where can I purchase CBD oil in Louisiana?
The most convenient method to find quality CBD oil is by ordering your CBD oils through online sources.
Purchasing online offers several benefits when compared to shopping in-store.
I know that some people prefer making their purchases locally. If you are one of those people, check the next section for places to start your search for local CBD oil.
Local stores are a great way to get first-hand information about your favorite CBD oil products. Some places you might be able to find CBD locally include vape and head shops, and natural health retailers.
Currently, marijuana is illegal for recreational use. However, under a few circumstances, you may be able to get medical marijuana.
Possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana is punishable by a fine of no more than $100 and no possibility of incarceration.
Despite Louisiana’s harsh laws, it was one of the first states to attempt a medical marijuana program.
In 1978, Governor Edwin Edwards introduced Act 725, which opened the door to medical marijuana for glaucoma and cancer patients. Under the law, Louisiana’s Department of Health was supposed to appoint members to the Marijuana Prescription Review Board, but they never did. So nothing ever came of Act 725.
Thirteen years later, Louisiana added “spastic quadriplegia” to the list of eligible conditions for medical marijuana. Once again, the Department of Health did nothing to advance the program.
The primary issue was that the law created no framework for cultivating and prescribing medical marijuana.
These problems would persist through the 90s and well into the millennium.
In 2014, Louisiana introduced Senate Bill 541, which would have provided the framework for producing and dispensing medical marijuana for those in need. The bill was shut down by the Senate health committee in a vote of 6-2.
Act 261 was passed in 2015, which allowed Louisiana physicians to prescribe marijuana.
Act 261 then authorized doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for a limited number of medical conditions. The Act was amended, and following the latest rules from 2019, only 88 doctors who are licensed by the state can issue a physician recommendation form to patients suffering from a debilitating medical condition. Prescribing medical marijuana is not allowed anymore.
In 2018, Louisiana introduced Acts 708 and 496 which added the following conditions to the list:
Specific criteria for symptoms associated with Autism are also listed.
Autistic criteria suitable for medical marijuana include:
As of August 1, 2019, medical marijuana is present on the pharmacy shelves. After four years of waiting, the state-licensed nine pharmacies to dispense medical marijuana. Eighty-eight doctors are authorized to recommend medical marijuana to their patients. The law doesn’t allow smokable marijuana.
The first round of medical marijuana is coming from Louisiana State University’s sub-contractor GB Sciences of Louisiana.
In 2019, a bill (HB 358) was signed by Rep. Ted James that may allow some patients to inhale medical marijuana through special devices. It would function like an asthma inhaler and deliver a measurable dose of medical marijuana. Although this isn’t perfect, it’s a step in the right direction.
To receive medical marijuana products, you will need to have one of the qualifying medical conditions listed above.
Patients in Louisiana don’t need to get onto a medical marijuana registry. Instead, they must visit one of Louisiana’s medical marijuana-certified doctors and receive a recommendation.
Once you have a state-approved doctor’s recommendation, you can simply head down to one of Louisiana’s nine approved dispensaries.
Note: marijuana is illegal on a federal level, and as a result, it’s not covered by any Louisiana health insurance plans. Bring enough cash to pay for your medicine!
Even with a doctor’s recommendation, you cannot grow your marijuana at home. If you are caught in possession of plants, you will probably be arrested. Don’t do that.
If you don’t have one of the eligible conditions or otherwise cannot get a medical marijuana recommendation, there is still hope!
Louisiana has banned delta 8 THC.
Maybe someday the state will relax its laws on cannabis in general, but until then, you’ll have to stick with CBD.
Many people started using delta 8 as an alternative to marijuana since it’s so similar to delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid that causes the high. It’s less potent, making it ideal for when you have things to do, and it doesn’t cause the anxiety and paranoia that marijuana sometimes does.
Unfortunately, many states have banned delta 8, making this natural resource unattainable.
Until Louisiana’s laws change, you can’t buy delta 8 in the state. If you travel, you can buy it at vape or head shops and pretty much anywhere that sells CBD.
However, the risks remain the same, and you need to check out any place you’re considering buying from. Third-party tests are crucial, and it doesn’t hurt to read customer reviews. This information is easier to find with online stores, so we recommend sticking with them. Plus, you’ll save money and can order from home.
Check out the following companies for the highest-quality delta 8 around:
All of these stores should have helpful and knowledgeable employees who can point you in the direction of a reliable CBD supplier in Louisiana.
If you don’t see your city on this list, make sure you check online. There are many trustworthy suppliers for all of your CBD needs!
Louisiana residents finally have access to legal medical marijuana. With the nine state-licensed dispensaries, you can easily find the product that you need if you have a recommendation from your physician.
In the meantime, don’t get caught with marijuana products. You really don’t want to serve any time in the Orleans Parish Prison.
If you’re unable to get a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana, you can try one of your local vape or head shops. Your best bet for finding quality CBD oils in Louisiana is by ordering through an online supplier.