Understanding the intricacies of Louisiana's medical marijuana laws can be daunting for individual patients looking to benefit from this therapeutic plant. The state of Louisiana has progressively adopted various protections for medical cannabis users, making it easier and safer for qualified patients to access and use their medication.
Understanding the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program
The Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program was established to allow patients with certain qualifying conditions access to medical marijuana for therapeutic use. The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the program, which includes a rigorous system to ensure that only those in good standing with the state are granted a medical marijuana card. This protective measure keeps the program's integrity intact, safeguarding the interests of patients, healthcare providers, and medical marijuana dispensaries alike.
To become part of this program, the individual patient must receive a recommendation from a state-licensed physician who is registered with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. This medical doctor, who ideally should have years of experience and appropriate medical education related to cannabis use, must certify that the patient has a debilitating medical condition that qualifies for medical cannabis use.
Qualifying medical conditions may be any chronic disease or illness that a physician believes will benefit from medicinal marijuana. The mentioned qualifying conditions in the law range from chronic pain, intractable pain, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, to severe muscle spasms and Crohn’s disease. Moreover, those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or hospice patients can also access medical cannabis in Louisiana, given they meet other eligibility criteria.
Legal Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
Medical cannabis patients in Louisiana enjoy several legal protections that guard them against potential conflicts with law enforcement and the federal government. State law protects registered medical marijuana patients from criminal prosecution for possession and use of medical cannabis in line with their doctor’s recommendation.
A patient must carry their medical cannabis card and their registry identification card, which verifies their enrollment in the state's medical marijuana program, at all times. The card is evidence of their legal right to possess, use, and in some cases, transport medical cannabis.
To bolster patient protection, the Louisiana law prohibits any discrimination against medical cannabis patients. For instance, this means that a patient's custodial rights cannot be denied solely based on their participation in the medical marijuana program. The law also protects patients from being denied organ transplants due to their status as a medical marijuana cardholder.
Acceptable Forms of Medical Cannabis in Louisiana
Louisiana has been progressive in setting the stage for medical cannabis use and has stipulated a variety of acceptable forms that cater to different patient needs. The Louisiana law, which initially only permitted non-smokable forms of cannabis, now allows for a wider range of delivery methods. Understanding these can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Tinctures and Oils
Cannabis tinctures and oils are one of the most popular forms of medical cannabis. These are created by extracting the active components of the cannabis plant, primarily THC and CBD, and suspending them in a carrier liquid like alcohol or oil. Tinctures are typically administered orally or sublingually (under the tongue), which allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream. They provide a straightforward method for dosing, as each drop of the tincture represents a specific amount of cannabis, making it easier for patients to control their intake.
Concentrated Extracts
Concentrated cannabis extracts, often referred to as distillates, represent a potent form of medical cannabis. The production process involves separating the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant to obtain a highly concentrated product. Distillates can contain up to 90% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. For patients with severe symptoms or a high tolerance to cannabis, these concentrated extracts can be beneficial. They can be taken orally, added to food or drink, or vaporized in a device specifically designed for oil consumption.
Gelatin-Based Chewables
For patients who prefer to avoid inhalation or are looking for a more conventional method of medication, gelatin-based chewables serve as an excellent alternative. They are similar to typical gummy candies but infused with a specific dose of cannabis extract. They come in a variety of flavors, making them a more palatable option. However, it's essential to remember that edibles have a delayed onset, often taking 1-2 hours before the effects are felt.
Metered-Dose Inhalers and Metered-Dosed Inhalation
Metered-dose inhalers, similar to those used by asthma patients, provide a fast-acting and convenient way to administer medical cannabis. They deliver a specific dose of cannabis with each puff, allowing patients to have consistent dosing. Metered-dosed inhalation is another inhalation method that precisely measures the cannabis dose, providing a reliable delivery system for patients.
Transdermal Patches
Transdermal patches provide a long-lasting but slow release of medical cannabis. The patch, applied to the skin, allows for the cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream over several hours. This form of administration can be advantageous for patients needing consistent levels of medication throughout the day.
Topical Creams
Topical creams, balms, and lotions infused with medical cannabis are designed for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. They are applied directly to the skin, making them an ideal choice for conditions like arthritis or muscle pain. It's worth noting that topicals do not provide the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis use, as they do not enter the bloodstream.
Smokable Cannabis Flower
In a historic move, the Louisiana House passed a bill in 2021, allowing the sale of raw or smokable cannabis flower for the first time. This came as a relief to many patients, as smoking cannabis flower provides quick symptom relief and is more cost-effective than other forms of medical cannabis. The effects of smoking cannabis are typically felt within minutes, allowing for swift symptom management.
Each of these acceptable forms of medical cannabis has its unique benefits, catering to various patient needs. Medical professionals and healthcare providers can guide patients to determine the most suitable form of medical cannabis based on their medical condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Always consult with a trusted medical professional, like those from ARCannabisClinic, when deciding on the most suitable form of medical cannabis.
Louisiana Dispensaries and Available Products
There are numerous medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Louisiana, in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and other regions. The dispensaries offer a variety of product types, from cannabis tinctures to gelatin-based chewables, available for patients.
As per the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, product test results from each batch of medical cannabis must be available to the public, ensuring transparency and safety for all patients. For instance, one can find a distillate syringe, which provides a concentrated form of medical cannabis for oral administration.
Patients should also be aware that they can access medical marijuana dispensaries only with a valid medical marijuana card. The card signifies that the patient is in good standing with the state law and the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program.
The Role of Medical Professionals in the Medical Cannabis Program
Medical professionals play a significant role in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program. The recommending physician or authorized clinician must have a valid license from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Their responsibilities include diagnosing the patient's condition and determining if it falls under the eligible medical conditions outlined in the Louisiana Administrative Code.
If you are looking to enter the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program, ARCannabisClinic can help. As a national, trusted medical marijuana health technology company, we take pride in helping patients navigate their journey toward therapeutic marijuana use. We are a leader in providing access to medical marijuana, guiding you every step of the way from obtaining a recommendation from a registered physician to receiving your medical card.
Conclusion
The state of Louisiana has taken considerable steps to protect and empower medical cannabis patients, providing them access to a range of forms and preparations of cannabis medication. The progressive laws of Louisiana offer robust legal protections to patients, physicians, and dispensaries involved in the therapeutic use of cannabis. Through the well-regulated Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program, medical cannabis has become a viable treatment option for numerous patients struggling with debilitating conditions.
