Louisiana’s medical marijuana landscape has seen major reforms in 2025, with seven new laws broadening access and protections for patients. The latest legislation allows out-of-state patients with qualifying conditions to obtain medical cannabis from Louisiana dispensaries, while also granting legal immunity to program participants. Nurse practitioners and medical psychologists can now recommend medical marijuana, expanding the pool of eligible healthcare providers.

Other notable changes include a prohibition on warrantless home searches based solely on marijuana odor, and a ban on smoking or vaping cannabis in vehicles on public roads. The state has also tightened oversight of production and laboratory testing, and introduced new licensing fees for producers.

Qualifying for medical marijuana has become more accessible: any debilitating condition, as determined by a qualified physician, can make a patient eligible. Recreational use, however, remains illegal and carries strict penalties.

For full details, see the original article at the Shreveport Times.