Can I Own A Firearm With A Medical Marijuana Card In Louisiana

Can I Own A Firearm With A Medical Marijuana Card In Louisiana?

Unfortunately no, you can’t own a firearm with a medical marijuana card in Louisiana because just like any other US state, the US federal laws always override the state laws. It all started with Act No. 874 back in 1991 which legalized medical marijuana within the state of Louisiana. However, a proper dispensary and cannabis management system was established under the 2015 House Bill 149.

If we take a look at the state’s medical marijuana laws alone, there is no specific prohibition that prevents medical marijuana cardholders from owning a firearm in Louisiana. However, the status of cannabis as a Schedule I substance categorizes medical marijuana cardholders as ‘unlawful users’ of a controlled substance, disqualifying them from owning a firearm under US federal laws.

The intersection between the state medical marijuana laws and US federal gun ownership laws has created a gray area due to the lack of implementation and clarification. Let’s take a look at the Louisiana medical marijuana laws and federal restrictions on owning a firearm through the eyes of CertaMD.

Louisiana state medical marijuana laws

 

In the state of Louisiana, recreational marijuana is still illegal, so individuals thinking about using cannabis must obtain a medical marijuana card. To qualify, patients need a medical marijuana recommendation from a certified medical practitioner, but the state’s rules are flexible, allowing doctors to recommend cannabis for any condition they believe could benefit from marijuana treatment. 

Once you have a recommendation and a medical marijuana card, you can only purchase marijuana from government-sanctioned pharmacies, which your provider will assist in locating when submitting the recommendation.

Additionally, Louisiana law restricts how much medical marijuana patients can buy, allowing up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days. Also, it is important to stay updated with the changing laws. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about it at the moment, CertaMD helplines are available 24/7!

US federal laws that prohibit medical marijuana users from owning a firearm

 

As per the US Gun Control Act of 1968, certain individuals categorized as ‘unlawful users’ of a controlled substance are not eligible to own a firearm. As cannabis is categorized as a Schedule I ‘controlled’ substance, people with a medical marijuana card are ‘unlawful users’ of a controlled substance even if they are using cannabis for medical reasons.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also reconfirmed the validity of the Gun Control Act in a letter written in 2011 stating that marijuana users can’t legally own a gun, regardless of a state’s medical marijuana laws.

What happens to my gun if I am applying for a medical marijuana card?

 

The state of Louisiana is a ‘silent’ state in this matter. This means that the state won’t be forcing you to turn in your firearm if you’re applying for a medical marijuana card. However, this doesn’t mean that not doing so won’t have any legal consequences.

If caught with a gun in your possession with a medical marijuana card, you can face a penalty of up to $250,000 along with a 10-year long federal prison sentence. You can get an additional 5 years for falsifying information on your background check as well.

Final Note

 

You can’t legally own a firearm in the state of Louisiana as a medical marijuana user, however, you can still get back your firearms license after your medical marijuana card expires. This is the only legal way to consume medical cannabis and then apply for a firearms license one more time once your treatment is complete.

FAQ’s

Can I own a firearm if I have a medical marijuana card in Louisiana?

No, federal law prohibits firearm ownership for medical marijuana users, even if state law allows medical marijuana.

Does Louisiana state law allow medical marijuana users to possess firearms?

Louisiana state law does not explicitly ban gun ownership for medical marijuana users, but federal law still applies.

What federal law affects gun ownership for medical marijuana cardholders?

The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits individuals using controlled substances, including medical marijuana, from owning firearms.

Can I purchase a firearm if I no longer use medical marijuana in Louisiana?

You may regain your gun rights after stopping marijuana use, but you must comply with both state and federal regulations.

Will my medical marijuana card appear in background checks for firearms?

Yes, background checks will likely flag medical marijuana users, which can lead to a denial of firearm purchases.

Alana Seppelt

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical disclaimer

The information on this CertaMD page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

All medical marijuana evaluations and recommendations through CertaMD are performed exclusively by licensed U.S. healthcare providers using secure telemedicine technology, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

Always speak with a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, changing existing medications, or starting any new treatment, including medical cannabis.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual results and treatment response

Medical cannabis does not work the same way for every patient. Symptom relief can depend on factors such as the type of product (THC/CBD ratio, route of administration), dose, frequency of use, underlying medical conditions, concurrent medications, and lifestyle variables like diet, stress, and sleep.

Because response and tolerability vary, ongoing follow-up with your CertaMD provider is important to review benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust your treatment plan safely over time.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible risks and side effects

Like any therapeutic option, medical marijuana can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, red or irritated eyes, increased appetite, headache, and temporary problems with attention, concentration, or short-term memory.

Some patients, especially with higher-THC products, may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, worsened mood, or perceptual changes; in rare cases, serious effects such as psychosis, significant mood changes, heart rhythm disturbances, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurrent nausea and vomiting) have been reported. If you notice severe, unexpected, or persistent symptoms, stop using cannabis and contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care.

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal and regulatory notice

Medical marijuana programs are created and regulated at the state level, and eligibility, product access, and telemedicine rules vary by jurisdiction. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and clinicians typically “recommend” or “certify” medical cannabis use rather than prescribe it in the traditional sense.

Some states require an initial in-person visit before medical cannabis certification, while others allow both initial and renewal evaluations via telehealth; CertaMD operates within the specific requirements of each state it serves.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act

Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product quality, sourcing, and safety

For your safety, use only medical cannabis products obtained from licensed, state-regulated dispensaries that perform appropriate laboratory testing for potency and contaminants. Unregulated or illicit products may contain pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, which can increase health risks and lead to unpredictable effects.

Ask your CertaMD clinician or dispensary pharmacist about product selection, dosing, onset and duration of effects, and how to store products safely away from children and pets.

Source: FDA – What to Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting adverse events and safety concerns

If you experience serious or unexpected side effects while using medical cannabis, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency care when appropriate.

Patients and caregivers in the United States can also report adverse events and product problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by phone at
1-800-FDA-1088, which helps regulators monitor safety trends and protect public health.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

See how much you could save with a medical card

Note that this is an estimate of savings and does not constitute a guarantee. Additional taxes in your area or recent changes in local laws may affect these rates. Please verify current regulations in your state.

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