Louisiana Marijuana Compliance
The state of Louisiana currently enforces mixed marijuana legalization. Louisiana marijuana law prohibits the consumption, sale, and possession of marijuana for recreational purposes; however, the use of medical marijuana is legal. Governor John Bel Edwards signed marijuana legislation in 2016 to make Louisiana one of the first Southern states to introduce a medical cannabis program.
Since marijuana is not fully decriminalized within the state, Louisiana employers who wish to conduct marijuana-related employee and applicant drug screenings do not face many restrictions. Current law does not enforce any related employer testing restrictions despite medicinal marijuana being legal.
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
Under current Louisiana marijuana compliance law, there are no recreational marijuana laws that allow general use within the state. However, Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 271 in 2016, which legalized the consumption, sale, and possession of medicinal marijuana for qualified patients.
Though many restrictions were established in the early stages of Louisiana medical marijuana legalization, government officials have updated marijuana laws to increase prescribing abilities and the list of qualifying conditions.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Despite Louisiana marijuana law currently prohibiting the recreational use of marijuana, state officials passed SB 271 in 2016 to establish a medicinal marijuana program within the state. Under current law, any physician licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners may recommend medical marijuana to their patients.
These patients must suffer from a qualifying debilitating condition, such as cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, or Alzheimer's disease, to be approved for a Louisiana medical marijuana card. Regardless of medical marijuana patient status, there are currently no workplace drug testing laws that restrict Louisiana employers from conducting marijuana-related testing.
Decriminalized: Partially
In 2021, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation into law that changed the penalties for low-level marijuana possession offenses. House Bill 652, which went into effect in August 2021, reduced the penalty of marijuana possession to a $100 fine and eliminated jail time for amounts of 14 grams or less.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
Although Louisiana's marijuana compliance law allows the consumption and sale of marijuana for medical purposes, there are currently no recreational marijuana laws that allow the general adult use of marijuana. With the recent partial decriminalization, a Louisiana resident found in possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana faces only a misdemeanor fine of $100.
Last upadated 1/15/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Louisiana?
While recreational marijuana is currently prohibited, Louisiana lawmakers approved SB 271 in 2016 to establish a statewide medical marijuana program. Regardless of medical marijuana patient status, Louisiana employers are still allowed to drug test applicants and employees for marijuana.
What is Louisiana's history with marijuana?
In 2016, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 271 which established a statewide medical marijuana program that allows the consumption, sale, and possession of medicinal marijuana for qualified patients.
What is the punishment for possession in Louisiana?
In 2021, the Louisiana government passed House Bill 652 which reduced the penalty of marijuana possession to only a $100 fine and no jail time for possession amounts of 14 grams or less.
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.