Medical Marijuana In Hospitals And Tougher School Drug Rules Head To Louisiana Governor

By Jelena Martinovic, Featured Writer

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is about to weigh in on two separate cannabis measures that recently advanced through the state legislature.

A bill that seeks to allow certain terminally ill patients in Louisiana to use medical cannabis while receiving care in healthcare facilities got the green light from the state House members this Tuesday in a 54 to 44 vote.

The Senate members have earlier passed the measure from State Senator Katrina by a 33–2 vote. Since House members didn’t amend the measure the Senate previously advanced, the measure is expedited directly to the governor’s desk.

SB 270 applies to patients with a valid medical marijuana recommendation under the state law who are diagnosed with a terminal, irreversible condition.

Under the measure, patients or caregivers would be responsible for everything from obtaining cannabis to bringing it into the facility, administering it, and removing it when care ends. Smoking and vaping remain prohibited as per the bill that will take effect on August 1, 2026, if Gov. Landry signs it into law.

A separate measure that would make it a crime to smoke cannabis within 2,000 feet of school property, including college campuses. also awaits final action from the governor. If the measure becomes law, such action would be punishable up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Louisiana Senators advanced the measure, which passed the House earlier in the legislative process, in a 23–10 vote, as reported by Marijuana Moment.

HB 568, sponsored by State Rep. Gabe Firment, strengthens enforcement of Louisiana’s drug-free school zone. The policy change puts the focus on visible drug use. It applies to those using controlled substances on school grounds, within 2,000 feet of any school property, on school buses, or while openly smoking, vaping, or otherwise using drugs in those restricted areas.

While medical cannabis is legal in Louisiana, possession of recreational cannabis remains illicit. However, it’s decriminalized up to 14 grams, as of 2021, after then-Gov. John Bel Edwards signed HB 652 into law.