Cannabis Program

The Cannabis Program at Louisiana Department of Health was created in April 2023. The Program contains a section for consumable hemp products as well as a section for medical marijuana.

• LDH Cannabis Program is the licensing authority responsible for registering compliant consumable hemp products for sale in Louisiana.
• LDH Cannabis Program is the regulatory authority for Louisiana’s medical (therapeutic) marijuana program.

Medical Marijuana

Per Act 491 and Act 492 of the 2022 Regular Legislature, as of August 1, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Health has assumed regulatory authority over Louisiana's medical (therapeutic) marijuana program. LDH personnel are responsible for conducting inspections of medical marijuana production facilities and reviewing finished product test results to verify compliance with the requirements of La. R.S. 40: 1046. Medical marijuana retailers are also required to be permitted and inspected by the Louisiana Department of Health. For additional information, click the link below.

Medical Marijuana Regulation

Consumable Hemp Products

Consumable hemp products are required to be registered by the Louisiana Department of Health. Additionally, hemp product processors (manufacturers), whether located in-state or out-of-state, are required to be permitted by the Cannabis Program. For in-state firms, the department must inspect the facility and issue a permit-to-operate. For out-of-state firms, the applicant must supply documentation indicating that it is being regulated by an equivalent entity in the relevant jurisdiction and provide attestation that majority owners are of good character and the firm recognizes the authority and jurisdiction of Louisiana courts and administrative tribunals in matters related to permitting and registration under Louisiana law. More information is provided below.

• See the "Registration Process" page for important information about registration of hemp products manufactured outside of Louisiana.  

Rule Updates

• NEW! LDH has published a hemp emergency rule amending the Notice of Intent published on October 20. It is effective as of May 2, 2025. Contact the Cannabis Program for more information. 
• Act 752 Notice of Intent - published on October 20, 2024 - Please note that the public comment period for this rule runs from October 20 - November 11, 2024. 
• Hemp Rule Update (March 20, 2024) - This update removes the 5,000 ppm threshold for residual solvents when testing hemp topical products.

Important Documents

• DEA Letter to LDH regarding the legal status of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Applications

• FD-99a - Plans Review Questionnaire for Out-of-State Consumable Hemp Processors
• FD-99 - Plans Review Questionnaire for Consumable Hemp Processors

Contact

LDH Cannabis Program
Office of Public Health, Bureau of Sanitarian Services
628 N. 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-342-4339
Hemp Email: [email protected] 
Medical Marijuana Email: [email protected]