Hemp vs. Marijuana in Louisiana: What You Need to Know

In Louisiana, the terms "hemp" and "marijuana" are often used interchangeably, creating confusion among consumers and patients alike. Significant differences in legality, usage, and accessibility exist between these two plants. 

As Louisiana currently operates solely under a medical marijuana program with no recreational marijuana available, understanding these distinctions is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about hemp versus marijuana in Louisiana, including why obtaining a medical marijuana card is vital.

The Basics

Hemp and marijuana both originate from the cannabis plant but are legally and chemically distinct. The primary difference lies in their levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s "high."

• Hemp: Defined by federal and Louisiana law as cannabis plants containing 0.3% THC or less, hemp is non-intoxicating and primarily used for industrial purposes such as textiles, paper, and health supplements.

• Marijuana: Marijuana plants contain more than 0.3% THC, producing psychoactive effects and used primarily for medicinal purposes in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s Medical Marijuana Program

Louisiana legalized medical marijuana in 2015, but the program has significantly expanded in recent years. Currently, medical marijuana patients in Louisiana can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, provided they have a qualifying condition and an active medical marijuana card.

Patients must have one or more qualifying medical conditions to access medical marijuana legally in Louisiana. These conditions include:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome

• Cancer

• Chronic Pain

• Concussion

• Crohn's Disease

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• HIV/AIDS

• Hospice or palliative care

• Huntington's Disease

• Intractable Pain

• Lewy-body dementia

• Motor-neuron disease

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)​

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Non-Epileptic Seizures

• Parkinson's Disease

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Seizure disorders

• Severe muscle spasm

• Spasticity

• Spinal muscular atrophy

• Traumatic brain injury

• Any debilitating condition if a physician believes a patient will benefit

Patients require a certified healthcare provider’s recommendation - that's where we come in, which they submit to obtain their medical marijuana card.

Differences in Product Availability

In Louisiana, hemp-derived products, especially CBD, are widely available in various retail environments, including grocery stores, gas stations, and specialty CBD shops. Following the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THC products, such as Delta-8 and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC edibles and beverages, experienced rapid growth. However, recent regulatory tightening has clarified the market.

Medical marijuana products are exclusively available at state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana. They have a variety of THC-based products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals, and flower, strictly to qualified medical marijuana cardholders.

Recent Regulatory Changes Impacting Hemp in Louisiana

As Louisiana's hemp market matured, the state implemented stricter controls to regulate intoxicating hemp products. Effective April 2025, new emergency regulations mandate that THC-infused edible and beverage products can only be registered by Louisiana-licensed manufacturers or processors. Out-of-state businesses must now partner with local processors to market their products in Louisiana, significantly affecting how these products are sold statewide.

These restrictions aim to ensure public health and safety, preventing the unregulated distribution of high-potency synthetic cannabinoids often misleadingly marketed as "diet weed" or "marijuana light."

Clarifying Potency Misconceptions

A common misconception in Louisiana is the belief that hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC differ in potency or psychoactive effect. Chemically speaking, both are identical in their psychoactive properties. However, hemp-derived THC products typically require processing significantly larger amounts of hemp to achieve the same potency found naturally in marijuana.

The critical regulatory difference lies not in potency but legality and oversight. Marijuana-derived THC products are strictly regulated within Louisiana’s medical marijuana framework, providing consistent, tested, and reliable products to patients. In contrast, hemp-derived products face varying levels of regulation and oversight, potentially leading to inconsistent quality.

Summary

With the evolving landscape of hemp and marijuana regulation in Louisiana, staying informed is crucial. As dispensaries continue to expand their offerings and regulatory changes impact hemp products' availability and legality, patients and consumers alike should monitor trusted sources for current information.

Our website provides regularly updated information on qualifying conditions, how to obtain a medical marijuana card, dispensary locations, and the latest regulatory updates to help residents navigate Louisiana’s cannabis landscape confidently.

Understanding the distinctions between hemp and marijuana in Louisiana is essential for consumers and patients alike. Louisiana’s strict yet clear medical marijuana regulations offer significant advantages over hemp-derived alternatives, providing patients with safe, reliable, and professionally managed treatments. If you qualify, obtaining a medical marijuana card is not just advisable, it’s an essential step toward responsibly accessing high-quality medical marijuana in Louisiana.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in the State of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.

Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?

Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!