In 2018, when signs that the law would actually be put into action became reality, there were 16 qualifying conditions. A patient was required to have at least one before they could have a recommendation for medical marijuana. Not long after, in 2019, the list was expanded. Then, finally, in 2020, the wording of the law was expanded to include ALL chronic conditions that the physician determined might be helped by recommending medical marijuana. 

Here’s the list of 16 conditions the State of Louisiana started with in August of 2018:

1. Cancer
2. Glaucoma
3. Parkinson’s disease
4. Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
5. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
6. Cachexia or wasting syndrome
7. Seizure disorders
8. Epilepsy
9. Spasticity
10. Severe muscle spasms
11. Intractable pain
12. Crohn’s disease
13. muscular dystrophy
14. multiple sclerosis
15. post-traumatic stress disorder

16. Certain conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder

Expansion of qualifying conditions in June of 2020

Then, on June 16, 2020, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law House Bill No. 819. Effective August 1, 2020, Louisianans’ ability legally to use marijuana to treat medical conditions will be greatly expanded.

The expanded conditions include many neurodegenerative diseases and conditions as well as the following chronic conditions:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS
• Huntington’s disease
• Lewy body dementia (LBD)
• Motor neuron disease,
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal muscular atrophy. 
• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussions
• Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia
• Chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease

In addition to the conditions listed above, HB No. 819 also allows doctors licensed to practice medicine in the State of Louisiana to recommend marijuana to their patients for the treatment of “any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care.” Louisiana doctors may also, at their discretion and medical opinion, recommend medical marijuana to patients for the treatment of any condition.

Though all 16 conditions may qualify patients to add medical marijuana to their treatment plan, any condition your doctor deems may be improved by recommending medical marijuana will also qualify you for treatment.

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