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TESTIMONIALS

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviews

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"When I needed my medical marijuana certification, I turned to the Sanctuary. They made the entire process so easy and I was able to submit my registration to the DOH with no problem and, most importantly, no judgment. Thank you!"

  • marijuana Louisiana card review
    The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviewed by Jennifer E. - Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation review
    February 12 2020


    "...I will definitely recommend  the doctor and Sanctuary Wellness to others"


    "Dr. Raymond was kind and well informed and I felt like he was really advocating for me. I will definitely recommend him and Sanctuary Wellness to others.* "

    Rating: 5

How It Works

Medical Marijuana Laws in Louisiana

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Louisiana has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to medical marijuana possession and use. Cancer, muscle spasms, epilepsy, chronic pain/intractable pain, multiple sclerosis, wasting syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, and spastic quadriplegia are among the conditions for which medical marijuana is available in the state.

Even patients who qualify for medical marijuana in Louisiana are only allowed to have 2.5 ounces of the drug on hand at any given time. Patients must also be diagnosed with a debilitating condition by a doctors, who must also approve the patient's use of medical marijuana and sign off on the patient's medical cannabis card application.

Even if you're a card-carrying Louisiana medical marijuana patient, Louisiana law stipulates that you cannot grow your own marijuana. You must purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries.


Louisiana Public Consumption Laws


Public consumption laws prohibit the use of cannabis products or infusions in public spaces. Consequently, qualified patients must consume their cannabis at home.


Louisiana Cannabis DUI Laws


It is illegal to drive during or after consuming cannabis products, even if you are medically authorized to consume them. First-time offenders may be given a $300 fine and a DUI charge. If you have more than 14 grams on your person, then the fine increases to $500. Additionally, you could receive a jail sentence with a duration of up to six months.

Louisiana Medical Marijuana Program


Once you identify your debilitating medical condition, schedule an appointment with a physician who’s licensed by and in good standing with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to practice medicine in Louisiana. Be certain that you establish a bona fide doctor-patient relationship with them.

There are several ways to locate a medical marijuana doctor, but perhaps the easiest of these is to enlist the help of the Sanctuary. We can assist you in finding a doctor who can certify your condition in no time.

At your scheduled appointment, remember to ask any questions you have about medical marijuana. For example, you might want to ask about the different strains of cannabis and how they might help your condition. Or you might want to discuss any other medical conditions you may have and how they might be improved with cannabis treatment.

Once your physician has written your recommendation, they will submit the letter on your behalf to the pharmacy of your choosing, thereby confirming your registration status with your chosen facility.

You will have to provide proof of residency and other forms of identification to complete the state’s application process. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver's license, a state ID card, and a U.S. passport.

Louisiana doesn't have a medical marijuana "card" system. Instead, it maintains a digital registry of certified patients who are searchable at any of the state's dispensaries. You will not receive a physical card and you will not have to register with the state. If needed, you may request a copy of your recommendation letter, which is valid for a year.

There are several licensed marijuana dispensaries located throughout Louisiana for Louisiana residents in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, and elsewhere. At them, you’ll be able to purchase cannabis products such as tinctures, edibles, inhalers, topicals, smokable marijuana, and CBD oil with your medical cannabis card.

About Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana

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Medical marijuana is available in Louisiana for a variety of medical conditions. It's crucial to talk to your doctor about your symptoms because some chronic ones that don't respond to medical treatment may qualify you for Louisiana's medical marijuana program.


Qualifying Conditions

Some such conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Huntington's disease
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Spinal muscular atrophy
  • HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
  • Cachexia/wasting syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Spasticity
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Severe muscle spasms
  • Intractable pain
  • Crohn's
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Seizure disorders
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Any licensed physician-diagnosed debilitating condition

How to Find a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctor


If you live in Louisiana and want to get a medical marijuana card, you'll need to find a doctor who is willing to recommend you for the program. The information below will assist you in finding a doctor who can help you with this process.

To begin, go to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) website to find a list of doctors who have the necessary certification to recommend medical marijuana to patients. This information can be found by selecting "Medical Marijuana Therapeutic Use" from the drop-down menu under Prescription/Therapeutic Use Programs under the "Prescriptions" tab at the top of the home page. This will take you to a page with a list of all qualified doctors and their contact information.

If you have a specific physician in mind, you can use the LDH list to find his or her practice. Once you click on that practice, it will take you to a new page with the doctor's contact information. An address, phone number, and website may be included.

You can also check to see if your primary care physician is a qualified practitioner. If not, they might be able to refer you to a medical marijuana expert who can guide you through the process.


Where Can You Buy Louisiana Medical Marijuana?


There are nine lawfully operating medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of Louisiana. Some of the best dispensaries in LA for registered patients include:

Frequently Asked Questions


What information and forms are required to apply for a medical marijuana card?

You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, and current address, in order to apply for a Louisiana medical marijuana card. A copy of your driver's license or state ID card will also be required.

To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you must also provide a written marijuana recommendation from your healthcare provider stating that you suffer from one or more of the state's approved medical conditions. Medical records, proof of residency, a background check consent form, and waivers for any financial restrictions associated with your application may also be required.

What are some of the qualifying conditions?

Medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, but there are a few requirements that must be met before a person can be classified as a patient. Cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia, seizure disorders, autism, glaucoma, and spasticity are among the state of Louisiana's qualifying conditions. Patients with other conditions may be eligible if their doctors believe medical marijuana would benefit them.

Which medical physicians can certify me for medical marijuana?

Patients must see a physician who is certified by the Louisiana Department of Health in order to qualify for medical cards. Only osteopathic and allopathic physicians are currently certified to prescribe medical marijuana in Louisiana.

How long is my card valid?

A Louisiana MMJ card remains valid for one year. It must be renewed to maintain its validity.

Can I apply if I live in another state?

If you live in another state, you can apply for a Louisiana MMJ card. Your application will still be reviewed by the Louisiana Department of Health, though, and you will still need to provide proof of residency in Louisiana with documentation like a driver's license or utility bill.

Where are dispensaries near me?

If you're looking for high-quality medical marijuana, there are a few medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana worth visiting. The Crescent City Caregivers dispensary in New Orleans is the first. This dispensary is known for its large selection of strains and knowledgeable staff who can assist you in selecting the appropriate strain and dosage for your needs.

The Greenhouse Wellness Center in Baton Rouge is another excellent option. This dispensary has a large selection of medical marijuana products as well as knowledgeable staff who can assist you in selecting the best product for your needs.

You should be able to find at least one dispensary in Louisiana that is close enough for you to visit with a little internet research. There are plenty of Louisiana dispensaries to choose from, whether you live in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Houma, Covington, Alexandria, Shreveport, Lafayette, or elsewhere in the state.

Where can I use medical marijuana in Louisiana?

When it comes to medical marijuana, Louisiana is one of the most restrictive states in the nation. Patients are only permitted to consume medical marijuana in their own homes, and the government only recently legalized the smoking of medical marijuana.