Louisiana Marijuana Compliance
Louisiana permits medical marijuana for qualifying patients with a recommendation from an authorized clinician. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, although possession of 14 grams or less carries a fine of up to $100 and no jail sentence for that offense.
Employers may test applicants and employees for marijuana, but applicable state testing requirements still apply. Certain state employees and applicants also have protections against employment action based solely on a positive test when they have a qualifying physician recommendation.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Louisiana Marijuana Compliance
Louisiana Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Partially Legal
Louisiana allows medical marijuana for qualifying patients with a recommendation from an authorized clinician. Recreational possession, use, and sales remain prohibited.
Authorized clinicians include qualifying physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical psychologists. Eligibility includes listed conditions and other conditions the clinician considers debilitating and is qualified to treat.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Under Louisiana's medical marijuana law, qualifying patients may obtain products from state-permitted retailers with a recommendation from an authorized physician, nurse practitioner, or medical psychologist. Eligible conditions include cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, intractable pain, and other conditions the clinician considers debilitating and is qualified to treat.
Certain state employees or job applicants can't face negative consequences just for a positive marijuana test when they have a recommendation from a qualifying physician. This protection doesn't cover employees who use marijuana or are impaired at work. It also doesn't cover some jobs, including certain state vehicle jobs, emergency medical services, law enforcement, public safety, firefighters, private employers, and the horse racing commission.
Just because medical marijuana is legal does not mean that workplace drug testing for THC is unrestricted. Employers still have to follow applicable drug-testing procedures and laboratory requirements.
Decriminalized: Partially
Act 247 of 2021, originally House Bill 652, reduced the penalty for possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana to a fine of up to $100, with no jail sentence for that offense. The change took effect August 1, 2021, and applies to first and subsequent convictions. Possession remains illegal outside authorized medical use.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana. Outside authorized medical use, possessing 14 grams or less carries a fine of up to $100 and no jail sentence for that offense. Larger amounts can carry jail time and higher fines.
Last updated 11/5/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Louisiana?
Medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients with a recommendation from an authorized clinician. Recreational marijuana remains illegal. Employers may test for marijuana, but certain state employees and applicants have protections against employment action based solely on a positive result.
What is Louisiana's history with marijuana?
Louisiana expanded medical marijuana access through Act 96 of 2016, originally Senate Bill 271. Under this law, more qualifying conditions were added, and the statutory language for prescribing and recommending medical marijuana changed. Later amendments also expanded eligibility of clinicians and allowed for other forms of the product.
What is the punishment for possession in Louisiana?
Outside authorized medical use, possession of 14 grams or less carries a fine of up to $100 and no jail sentence for that offense, including repeat convictions. A first conviction involving more than 14 grams can carry up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Repeat convictions involving more than 14 grams carry higher penalties.
Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing
If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:
For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.