Can you get a medical marijuana card for PTSD in Louisiana?
Yes. The Louisiana Medical (Therapeutic) Marijuana Program lists Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition. A Louisiana-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About PTSD
Limited evidence. The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabinoids improve PTSD symptoms, based on a small trial of nabilone for nightmares. Many patients report better sleep and fewer nightmares, and larger studies are under way.
Symptoms Louisiana patients most often hope to ease:
- Nightmares
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feeling on edge or easily startled
- Anxiety and irritability
- Intrusive memories that are hard to switch off
Read more: medical marijuana for PTSD.
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
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
See every qualifying condition in Louisiana
PTSD in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for PTSD?
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.