Does chronic pain qualify for a medical card in Louisiana?
Yes. The Louisiana Medical (Therapeutic) Marijuana Program lists Intractable pain as a qualifying condition. A Louisiana-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About chronic pain
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
Symptoms Louisiana patients most often hope to ease:
- Persistent aching or burning pain
- Nerve pain such as tingling, shooting or electric sensations
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Side effects or limited relief from current pain medicines
Read more: medical marijuana for chronic pain.
How to get certified in Louisiana
- Find an authorized clinician in good standing with their licensing board. The state does not publish a list of clinicians who recommend.
- Have an evaluation so the clinician can confirm a debilitating condition and set up a genuine clinician-patient relationship.
- The clinician sends the recommendation by a method the state allows. You do not need to apply for a state card.
- Choose an LDH-permitted marijuana retailer or satellite location and bring a valid photo ID.
- Buy within the limit of 71 grams of flower every 14 days.
Louisiana allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Louisiana-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: No state fee (no patient card or registry)
- Card lasts: Set by doctor
- Processing: No state card to wait for
- Patient limit: Set by your recommendation
- Home grow: Not allowed
- Recreational sales: Not legal
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Louisiana cost breakdown and Louisiana program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Louisiana
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- PTSD
See every qualifying condition in Louisiana
Chronic pain in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for chronic pain?
How long does certification take in Louisiana?
Can I renew online in Louisiana?
Sources
- LDH Medical Marijuana
- RS 40:1046 - Recommendation and sale of marijuana for therapeutic use
- Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners - Notice regarding medical marijuana recommendations via telemedicine
- Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Bulletin 24-02 (2024 new laws, Act 693)
- Act 693 (HB 376) of 2024 - Enrolled
- Louisiana Laws - visiting qualifying patient provisions
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.