Bill > HB627

This bill establishes the Louisiana Cannabis Pilot Program, a temporary program designed to test the implementation of adult-use cannabis in the state from January 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. The pilot program will allow existing medical marijuana retailers, cultivators, and laboratories to expand their operations to include adult-use cannabis sales to individuals 21 and older. Participants must notify the Louisiana Department of Health of their intent to join the program and will be required to use the existing Louisiana Medical Marijuana Tracking System (LMMTS) to monitor cannabis from cultivation to sale. The program defines "adult-use cannabis" as cannabis products containing naturally occurring THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that are sold to and consumed by adults not participating in the medical marijuana program. Each participating retail location will pay an annual permit renewal fee of $5,000, and the state will assess a 3.5% fee on gross wholesale sales of both medical and adult-use cannabis. The bill aims to gather real-world data on cannabis implementation, identify potential challenges, and assess the feasibility of a permanent adult-use cannabis program, while maintaining the existing limitations on the number of retail locations and cultivation licenses. Additionally, the bill clarifies that local zoning regulations will not impede the continuation of existing medical marijuana facilities' operations under the pilot program.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB627&sbi=y