Cannabis law in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana is punished by a fine of up to $100, enforced by summons instead of arrest. Possession of more than 14 grams, and production and distribution, carry jail terms. Marijuana for therapeutic use is available through permitted retailers.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Criminal offence [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | 14 grams or less: fine of up to $100 on conviction. More than 14 grams: first conviction fine of up to $500, up to 6 months in parish jail, or both. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Operating a vehicle while impaired by any drug is a crime. There is no fixed THC limit; the 0.08 limit applies to alcohol. [3] |
Notes
- Fines apply on conviction; for 14 grams or less the penalty is enforced by summons instead of custodial arrest. Higher tiers apply to second and later convictions above 14 grams. The statute text was read as shown on the legislature's site on 9 October 2026.
- The section makes production of Schedule I substances unlawful and exempts licensed marijuana producers acting under Department of Health rules; no personal-cultivation exception was found.
- Only permitted retailers may sell marijuana for therapeutic use under R.S. 40:1046. The permit scheme itself was not read.
- No statute or official page on use or carrying in public places was read.
- Recommendation by an authorised clinician and sale by permitted retailers are set by R.S. 40:1046. The list of conditions and product forms was not read.
- No source on visitors or non-residents was read.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature (Louisiana Revised Statutes): RS 40:966 Penalty for distribution or possession with intent to distribute narcotic drugs listed in Schedule I; possession of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, and heroin (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature (Louisiana Revised Statutes): RS 40:1046 Recommendation and sale of marijuana for therapeutic use; production facility licensing; regulations and permitting by the Louisiana Department of Health (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 14:98 Operating a vehicle while impaired (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) | Production is an offence | No adult-use sale | ⚠ Not yet verified | Therapeutic marijuana via permitted retailers | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | — | Yes: medical card, licensed dispensaries | Visiting medical patients: 90-day card |
| Mississippi | Civil offence up to 30 g | Not allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | No smoking or vaping in public or in vehicles | Medical programme (registered patients) | Visitor cardholders: lower purchase limits |
| Texas | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Delivery is an offence | — | Low-THC cannabis only | — |
More rules in Louisiana
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.