News

Louisiana Committee Passes Bill Establishing Cannabis Legalization Framework

April 29, 2024 03:33 pm ET Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes

Fact checked by Kymberly Drapcho

Louisiana Committee Passes Bill Establishing Cannabis Legalization Framework

The state of Louisiana is making historic strides in cannabis with the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee’s recent unanimous passing of House Bill 707, which will help the state establish a regulatory framework for eventual adult-use marijuana legalization.

The new bill doesn’t legalize cannabis but instead creates guidelines for what it will look like when that day comes. The state decriminalized cannabis in 2021, making full legalization the next logical step, and lawmakers hope to finally make marijuana sales a reality next year.

The bill was first introduced by state representative Edmond Jordan (D), who is planning further bills that will cover the possession and taxation of cannabis. “This is a very simple bill,” he stated to the committee. “It is for the adult use of cannabis. It sets up the retail side with dispensaries and how we would do that.”

This legislation will create a cannabis program run by the Louisiana Department of Health. Under the rules of House Bill 707, adults 21 and over will be able to purchase up to one ounce of cannabis a day. They can also pay $75 for a permit to grow six plants at home, with a maximum of 12 plants per household and a personal grow stash of up to two pounds of cannabis.

There has been some backlash regarding the proposal, but legislators are determined to push forward. “We can’t bury our heads in the sand and think that people aren’t going to get access to cannabis,” Jordan continued. “They’ve gotten access to it since the beginning of time and are going to continue to do that. The question is: How do we make it safe? How do we regulate it? How do we tax it? How do we make money off of it, frankly?”

And, fortunately for Louisiana residents, early projections show that there is plenty of money to be made from legal cannabis sales. Jordan predicts that it could earn the state $1 billion in tax revenue in the first ten years, a massive amount that could provide a boost to essential functions like roads, schools, and more.

The Marijuana Policy Project created a report on the future of adult-use sales in Louisiana, stating that it could be ready for launch by 2027 and valued at an impressive $5.8 billion in 2033.

While this is incredible news for Louisiana residents, what’s next for the state is still somewhat uncertain. The current governor, Jeff Landry (R), may not support adult-use legalization. Hopefully, he will see the potential revenue this could generate for the state and help enact this reform during his term.

Author, Share & Comments

Emily is a Denver-based transplant from Virginia who is passionate about substance use harm reduction, yoga, and music. She writes and edits to support the extravagant lifestyles of her pug and cat. When she's not writing, she can be found doing flow and aerial arts or browsing flights to faraway places.

Post Your Comments

See If You Qualify For Medical Marijuana - Select Your State!

Do you qualify for an MMJ card?

How to Make Edibles: Simple Steps to Cannabis-Infused Treats

Combining the benefits of cannabis with delicious food has been growing in popularity, and when you try it yourself, you’ll understand why. Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than throwing some bud in a bowl with flour and sugar. Like fine cooking in general, baking with cannabis is a process that you can refine with…

By Sarah Welk Baynum September 9, 2025

Blue-Space Physiology & Cannabis: Pairing Cannabis With Water-Based Micro-Adventures

There’s something inherently calming about being near water—the rhythmic lap of waves, the shimmer of sunlight on the surface, and the cool breeze coming off the water. But this calming effect isn’t just in your head. Research now shows that blue spaces can significantly benefit both our physical and mental health in numerous and powerful…

By Tobi Moyela September 5, 2025

What Happened, Haribo? A Deep Dive Into The Haribo Recall

If you’re a fan of Haribo sweets, you might be in for a surprise when next you taste a bag of its gummies. The brand is currently in the spotlight because some consumers, including kids, got sick after enjoying gummies from a bag of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ. Even wilder, investigations revealed that the gummies…

By Macey Wolfer September 16, 2025

Drugs In the Bible: Is Cannabis Mentioned?

You may have heard cannabis referred to as the “devil’s lettuce,” either in a fun, playful tone, or as a condemnation of the plant. The exact origins of the term are unclear, but we know it became popular in the 1930s as cannabis prohibition was heating up. But the use of “devil” sparked our curiosity…

By Anthony DiMeo September 8, 2025

Strains That Have Been Renamed: The What & Why

Cannabis breeders created thousands upon thousands of new strains and crosses in the amount of time since adult-use and recreational marijuana became a thing in the U.S. Strains featuring catchy, goofy, yet memorable names have still managed to stand the test of time—for the most part. Some strain names run afoul of conflict or controversy…