Qualifying Conditions to Get a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card
While Louisiana has decriminalized the possession of cannabis, it still remains illegal. The state only offers cannabis through its medical program, which requires patients to get a prescription from a licensed doctor.
In order to qualify for a doctor’s medical cannabis recommendation in Louisiana, a patient must have one of the state’s approved qualifying conditions or a condition the physician considers to be debilitating.
Qualifying Conditions for a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card
The state requires that authorized physicians recommend medical cannabis only for patients with one of the following qualifying conditions.
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Seizure disorders
- Epilepsy
- Spasticity
- Severe muscle spasms
- Intractable pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injury
- A concussion diagnosed by a physician
- Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease
- Any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care
A patient may also qualify if they have one of the following neurodegenerative diseases and conditions.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Huntington’s disease.
- Lewy body dementia.
- Motor neuron disease.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Additionally, a patient may qualify for a med card in Louisiana if they are evaluated for any of the following conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder.
- Repetitive or self-stimulatory behavior of such severity that the physical health of the person with autism is jeopardized.
- Avoidance of others or inability to communicate of such severity that the physical health of the person with autism is jeopardized.
- Self-injuring behavior.
- Physically aggressive or destructive behavior.
If your conditions isn’t listed, you may still qualify for a medical card in Louisiana. The state allows the recommendation of cannabis for any conditions that the physician considers to be debilitating.
Patient Qualifications for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
Louisiana keeps the process of acquiring a medical cannabis card relatively simple. To qualify for medical cannabis in the state, you must:
- Be a state resident with a valid ID.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Receive an evaluation from an authorized physician who can examine them and prescribe medical cannabis.
You Meet the Requirements to Qualify for a Louisiana Medical Card… Now What?
If you qualify for a medical cannabis card in Louisiana, or if you aren’t sure, it’s time to set up an evaluation from a certified professional to explore the benefits of an MMJ recommendation.
NuggMD connects prospective patients with state-certified medical practitioners who are qualified to recommend cannabis treatment. We believe everyone deserves access to the right medication for their condition, which is why we only charge for the evaluation if you’re approved for medical cannabis treatment.
If the doctor recommends medical cannabis, patients will select a dispensary which will become their designated prescription location. Physicians will then enter the necessary information into the state registry and send it to the chosen dispensary. Within 24-48 hours, patients may purchase their prescription medical cannabis from their pharmacy (or they may designate someone to purchase for them). They will need to present their state ID to verify their identity.
Learn more about how to get a medical cannabis card in Louisiana. Or review our Louisiana patient FAQs for the most common questions we receive from current and prospective medical cannabis patients.
What Medical Forms Do You Need When Meeting with a Physician in Louisiana?
Meeting with a qualified medical cannabis doctor through NuggMD is like seeing your local doctor: it’s best (though not required) to come to your evaluation prepared to discuss your medical condition and ask any questions you may have about the use of cannabis as part of a treatment regimen.
The following forms and information will allow you to get the most out of your evaluation and make the rest of the process as quick and seamless as possible:
- Photo ID / Proof of Residency
- Medical History (optional but encouraged to review with your NuggMD doctor)
