First of all, weed is illegal in Louisiana. The penalties for possession are harsh. Even those caught with less than 15 grams could be punished by up to 15 days in jail.
However, Louisiana recently became one of the latest states to legalize the use of marijuana for medical reasons.
There are many conditions that sellers have to fulfill to open pot dispensaries. There is also a set of criteria that patients have to meet to be eligible to register as buyers.
The state Pharmacy Board is in charge of the medical marijuana program and permits only to institutions to cultivate weed in the state: Louisiana State University and the Southern University.
But we are not all about weed, are we? If you are reading this you are probably here for information about the closely related CBD oil and its legality in Louisiana.
Worry not, the preceding info was just for context.
Let’s get to the crux of the matter, shall we?
Contents
LAWS ON CBD IN LOUISIANA
LAWS REGULATING THE USE OF CBD OILS IN LOUISIANA
CBD oil and its many health benefits have been at the heart of many conversations and discussions in the wellness community.
From pain management to the improvement of general well-being, the health benefits of CBD are many.
But so are the controversies surrounding its legality in different states.
Some think that CBD oil is downright illegal because it is a derivative of marijuana which is classified as a controlled substance and is illegal in many states including Louisiana.
However, the Federal Farm Bill of 2014 allows for the cultivation of industrial hemp. It also allows for the sale of products derived from industrial hemp.
“How is this related to CBD oils?”
Well, one of the products of industrial hemp is CBD oil. The hemp plant is a cousin of the infamous marijuana plant. The two plants look alike, smell alike and have pretty much most of the same chemical compounds and health benefits.
But there is a catch. According to the bill (now Act), industrial hemp is that which contains less than 0.3% THC. Anything with more than this amount is considered cannabis and is therefore illegal.
Thus, if you are buying CBD oils, you should go for those that contain no THC.
“What is THC?”
Good question! THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes you to become high and to have an altered state of mind.
It is also addictive.
It is present in high concentrations in marijuana but only in trace quantities in the hemp plant.
LAWS REGULATING THE USE OF MARIJUANA IN LOUISIANA
As mentioned earlier, the recreational use of marijuana remains illegal in the state Louisiana. However, a 2016 law permitted its use for medical reasons.
The law mandated the Louisiana Pharmacy Board to control the state’s medical marijuana program.
Pot dispensaries have already been licensed.
Nevertheless, you can’t just walk into a pot dispensary and buy weed. You have to be registered by the state as a patient. The registration entails doctor assessment and recommendation for registration.
Also, some medical conditions qualify and others don’t. Some of the medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana include epilepsy, cachexia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, HIV and AIDS, chronic pain, and others.
So there is a possibility that you could have a serious illness for which you could get marijuana in another state but not in Louisiana.
CULTURAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS CBD IN LOUISIANA
Louisiana has a very proud history of resilience. The ban on recreational use of marijuana has been in place for years but the use has never really been affected.
The attitudes towards marijuana are neutral. A significant number of the youths use it recreationally while older people don’t mind its health benefits.
As for CBD oils, there is general acceptance for the product. No many Louisianan opposes the proliferation of CBD oils in the local markets, wellness centers and even convenient stores.
Even the few that oppose, the moment they hear it doesn’t alter the mind, they are perfectly okay with it.
Things are expected to become even clearer and more positive in the future as more and more people and patients discover the benefits of CBD oils and relay their experiences to their friends and neighbors.
BEST PLACES TO BUY CBD IN LOUISIANA
The artistic Mushroom New Orleans store (1037 Broadway Street) is one of the most unique and exciting places you could ever buy CBD oil in the whole of Louisiana.
The place is just out of this world. The 3000-sq establishment is a vape shop, a smoke shop and also carries records and apparel and essential oils. You can also get jewelry for yourself or your partner.
Their selection of CBD oils is wide enough for first-time users.
Smoke-N-Style on 1820 Dickory Avenue Unit D is one of the best smoke shops in Harahan, Louisiana. Established in 2015, the shop specializes in selling vapes, hookahs, vaporizers, E-liquids, Kratom and a variety of great CBD products. Try them out! You won’t regret it! (Probably)
TIPS ON USING CBD
- Only buy quality oils
To ensure you get to experience the real CBD and its benefits, ensure you buy brand products with a reputation to protect. Quality oils will ensure value for money.
- Drink plenty of water
For fast delivery and subsequent absorption, you need to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will also do wonders for your skin and overall wellbeing.
- Consult a doctor before taking your first dose
You might have a condition or you might be taking drugs that could react negatively with CBD. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about CBD before you start taking it.
- Go for CBD isolates first then upgrade to the full spectrum
There are different types of CBD. Isolates are singular powerful extracts, while the full spectrum contains all of the known CBDs in the hemp plant. Compared to the full spectrum, CBD isolates are less powerful and therefore best for first timers are they are less likely to have any side effects.