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Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Prohibits Home Cannabis Cultivation Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
R.S. 40:966; R.S. 40:1046
Home cultivation
Felony, prohibited
Authorized growers
LSU and Southern AgCenter
Possession (≤14g)
$100 fine
Cultivation max penalty
20 years prison
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

Louisiana prohibits all home cultivation of marijuana for personal use under La. R.S. 40:966. Therapeutic cannabis is grown only by two licensed agricultural centers. No municipality may authorize personal home growing because state law preempts and criminalizes it.

A. Manufacture; distribution. Except as authorized by this Part, it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally: (1) To produce, manufacture, distribute or dispense or possess with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analogue classified in Schedule I.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under R.S. 40:966, the production, manufacture, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana is a felony unless authorized under the Therapeutic Use of Marijuana Act. The Act (R.S. 40:1046) limits cultivation to two state-designated licensees - the LSU and Southern University agricultural centers - which contract with private growers. Recreational use remains illegal, and patients with valid recommendations purchase only through nine licensed marijuana pharmacies. Possession of small amounts (14 grams or less) is decriminalized under R.S. 40:966(C)(2)(b) to a $100 fine, but cultivation of any quantity remains a felony punishable by up to twenty years. Local governments cannot legalize home growing.

Violations & Penalties

Cultivating any amount of marijuana at home is a felony under R.S. 40:966 carrying up to twenty years imprisonment and $50,000 in fines. Greater penalties apply for larger amounts and aggravated circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow my own medical marijuana in Louisiana?
No. Even patients with a physician recommendation cannot grow cannabis at home. Therapeutic products must be obtained from one of the nine state-licensed marijuana pharmacies under R.S. 40:1046.
Has any Louisiana city legalized home growing?
No. Louisiana cities and parishes cannot authorize home cultivation because state law makes it a felony statewide. Some localities have reduced enforcement of small possession but cannot decriminalize cultivation.

Sources

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