The medical marijuana industry continues to grow as legalization expands throughout the United States. As of February 2022, 37 states have legalized medical cannabis consumption, and it is likely more will soon. Legalization opens up new business opportunities in cannabis products, dispensaries, and ancillary activities. Medical marijuana dispensaries play a crucial role in the cannabis industry and your personal cannabis experience.
Below we’ll review our top choices for legal dispensaries in Louisiana.
What is a Marijuana Dispensary?
A marijuana dispensary is a store you go to purchase cannabis legally. Most operate a storefront like a retail store or pharmacy, with additional security and regulations. Legal dispensaries may be classified as recreational or medical, but in Louisiana, you’ll only find medical dispensaries. To shop at a medical dispensary, you need a license that shows you meet the state’s qualifications to purchase medical cannabis there legally.
What Makes a Good Medical Marijuana Dispensary
There are a few things to look out for when choosing your dispensary. While you want to select a cannabis dispensary that feels comfortable for you, we suggest finding a clean, professional atmosphere with friendly, and knowledgeable staff that can answer all your questions. The best dispensaries will carry a wide variety of products with some consistency so you can repurchase what you liked. Many also offer special deals and discounts for veterans, so you may want to explore a few options.
The Louisiana State Medical Program
Louisiana became the first Deep South state to dispense medical marijuana in 2019. Patients in Louisiana must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by their doctor to obtain a license to purchase medical cannabis. The list of conditions to qualify for a medical marijuana license in Louisiana expanded in 2020. On January 1, 2022, the smokeable flower form of cannabis became legal and is now available in select dispensaries.
In Louisiana, it is legal to obtain your medical marijuana certification via Telehealth services like HelloMD. With HelloMD, you can meet with a doctor, ask questions, and receive expert cannabis advice online. If you meet the state’s qualifications, then you’ll be able to register for your medical marijuana card quickly and easily. You only pay if you’re approved!
Once you receive your medical marijuana license, there are nine different medical marijuana dispensaries to choose from in Louisiana.
Top 5 Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Louisiana
Here is our list of the top five medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana.
H & W Drug Store Dispensary
H&W Drug Store Dispensary is located in New Orleans, making it one of the busiest dispensaries that sees the most patients. The locally owned H&W Drug Store pharmacy was established in1963, and the medical marijuana dispensary location opened in 2017. Patients appreciate the friendly staff, quality products, and the fact that they deliver. They sell many flower strains, but you might want to call before you go because they can sell out quickly.
Green Leaf Dispensary
Located in Houma, Green Leaf Dispensary is well-reviewed for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. A focus on quality, compliance, and patient care makes them stand out, along with a wide variety of products that includes cannabis flower, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and vapes.
The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy
The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy in Alexandria serves medical marijuana patients in Central Louisiana. Patients appreciate the comfortable atmosphere, and the staff has received highly-rated reviews from customers for their expert advice and patient-focused care. The Medicine Cabinet carries cannabis flower, tinctures, vapes, and edibles.
Some people make an effort to drive here for the prices as they have discount points for regular customers.
Hope Pharmacy
Hope Pharmacy in Shreveport serves medical marijuana patients in northwest Louisiana. It was opened by local pharmacists Douglas and Jennifer Boudreaux, and patients appreciate their pharmacist staff’s experience and knowledge, and the quality products they carry. At Hope Pharmacy, you can buy cannabis flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and even Rick Simpson Oil (RSO).
The Apothecary Shoppe
Located in Lafayette, The Apothecary Shoppe serves the Acadian region of Louisiana. Patients find that the pharmacists are well-informed and thorough and the staff is friendly and accommodating. They offer a 10% discount for veterans, and their products include cannabis flower, vapes, and tinctures.
Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?
HelloMD provides online certifications for medical marijuana cards via Telehealth appointments. Meet with a licensed practitioner online – it’s fast, easy, and private. You only pay if you’re approved.
