Louisiana came very close to making progress on marijuana-related legislation in 2025—but just one vote short has stopped the bill from moving forward. The state already allows medical marijuana, but full legalization for recreational use remains off the table—for now.
A recent 8–7 vote in the Louisiana House Committee on Ways and Means has effectively ended a bill that could have prepared the state to tax cannabis sales if marijuana is ever legalized in the future.
What Was the Bill Really About?
This bill, written by Rep. Edmond Jordan from Brusly, Louisiana, wasn’t trying to legalize marijuana right away. Instead, it aimed to create a tax system to be used only if cannabis becomes legal later. In simple words, it was a way to get ready for future legalization, so that the state wouldn’t be left scrambling when that day comes.
As Rep. Jordan explained, “The purpose of this bill is simply to say that if, in the event that it is legalized, that we have a taxing mechanism in place.”
Unfortunately, the proposal fell one vote short, ending its journey—for now.
Medical Marijuana Is Legal, but Recreational Use Isn’t
Louisiana has had legal medical marijuana for years, and that program is slowly expanding. But unlike states such as Colorado or California, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Louisiana. This recent vote shows that the state is still not ready to take the next big step toward full legalization.
Even though public opinion around the U.S. is increasingly in favor of recreational marijuana, Louisiana lawmakers remain cautious, possibly due to political concerns, conservative voters, or legal complications.
Louisiana Is Cracking Down on Hemp, Not Expanding Cannabis Access
While the idea of legal recreational marijuana seems distant, Louisiana is moving in the opposite direction when it comes to similar products like Delta-8 THC, which is a legal compound made from hemp but still has psychoactive effects.
In early 2025, Louisiana passed stricter regulations on these hemp-based products. The state:
- Reduced serving sizes of THC in consumer products
- Banned inhalable products, including Delta-8 flower
This crackdown shows the state’s strong position against any product that resembles recreational marijuana, making it even less likely that Louisiana will approve legal cannabis anytime soon.
Is Legal Weed Coming to the Bayou?
With the latest vote and growing restrictions on hemp products, it seems very unlikely that Louisiana will legalize recreational marijuana in the near future. While medical marijuana continues to grow in popularity and accessibility, the state appears to be focused on limiting non-medical use, not expanding it.
Unless there’s a big shift in voter demand or political priorities, recreational cannabis may stay out of reach in Louisiana, and the “green light” will only come with a doctor’s note.