Can nurse practitioners prescribe medical marijuana in Louisiana?
Marijuana is now legal in some form in over half of the United States. This has led to many questions about who can prescribe marijuana, how it should be prescribed, and the regulations around prescribing marijuana. This article will explore whether nurse practitioners in Louisiana can prescribe medical marijuana.
Louisiana State Board of Nursing Information
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) is the regulatory board that oversees the practice of nursing in Louisiana. The LSBN does not currently publicize a position on prescribing medical marijuana by nurse practitioners.
However, equally important to note is that nurse practitioners in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Nurse Practice Act.
The Louisiana Nurse Practice Act does give nurse practitioners the authority to prescribe controlled substances, including Schedule II drugs. This means that, technically, nurse practitioners in Louisiana could prescribe medical marijuana if it is classified as a Schedule II drug. But Act 444 is the law that enables nurse practitioners the ability to recommend medical marijuana to patients.
Given that the LSBN is aware of the evolving legal landscape surrounding medical marijuana, the LSBN may release guidance on this issue in the future.
Nurse practitioners can, however, recommend medical marijuana to patients in Louisiana.
How to Find a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctor
If you are a patient interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you must first obtain a certificate of recommendation from a licensed physician. The physician must be registered with the Louisiana Department of Health and complete a four-hour course on the medical use of marijuana.
Once you have a recommendation from a licensed physician, you must apply to the Louisiana Department of Health. The application must be accompanied by a $100 fee.
If you are approved for medical marijuana, you can purchase it from one of the state-licensed dispensaries. Dispensaries in Louisiana are now allowed to sell raw smokable marijuana.
Love this post? Make sure to check out our other article about how far Minnesota is from Louisiana before you go!
FAQ About Louisiana Medical Marijuana
Can a nurse have a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?
Yes, at this time, nurse practitioners can have a medical marijuana card in Louisiana. Furthermore, nurse practitioners can recommend medical marijuana to patients in LA.
Can doctors prescribe marijuana in Louisiana?
Yes, doctors can prescribe marijuana in Louisiana. However, before prescribing marijuana, doctors must complete a four-hour course on the medical use of marijuana.
Can you buy marijuana in Louisiana without a medical card?
No, you cannot buy marijuana in Louisiana without a recommendation. Dispensaries in Louisiana are only allowed to sell medical marijuana to patients holding a recommendation from a licensed physician.
What illness qualifies for medical marijuana in Louisiana?
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you must have one of the following conditions: cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cachexia or wasting syndrome, seizure disorders, epilepsy, spasticity, Crohn's disease, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis. However, doctors can prescribe medical marijuana for other illnesses if they believe the patient may benefit from it.
