Weed in New Orleans: A City with Evolving Cannabis Laws

New Orleans has a unique and evolving relationship with cannabis. While Louisiana has historically had strict marijuana laws, the state has made progress toward decriminalization and medical marijuana legalization. However, full recreational use is still illegal, and those who consume weed in New Orleans need to be aware of the rules to stay out of trouble.

Is Weed Legal in New Orleans?

Recreational Marijuana – Decriminalized but Not Fully Legal

New Orleans has decriminalized marijuana, meaning that possession of small amounts won’t lead to jail time, but recreational use is still technically illegal.

As of 2021, possession of up to 14 grams (about half an ounce) results in a fine of $100 or less, with no arrest or jail time.
Smoking weed in public places is still prohibited and can result in a ticket and fine.

While many people in New Orleans openly smoke in public, it’s still legally risky. The police often turn a blind eye to casual use, but enforcement can vary.

Medical Marijuana – Legal

Louisiana has a medical marijuana program, and registered patients can legally purchase and use cannabis. Some key points about medical weed in New Orleans:

Patients need a recommendation from a doctor to obtain medical marijuana.
There are no restrictions on qualifying conditions—if a doctor thinks cannabis can help, they can approve the patient.
Medical marijuana is only available at licensed dispensaries.
Smoking raw flower is now allowed, after originally being banned in the program.

Where to Buy Weed in New Orleans

If you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries like:

H&W Drug Store
Crescent City Therapeutics

For recreational users, the legal market doesn’t exist yet, so many turn to the black market or hemp-derived alternatives like Delta-8 THC.

Can You Smoke Weed in Public in New Orleans?

No. Even though New Orleans is known for its party culture, smoking weed in public is still illegal. If caught, you could face a fine or be asked to put it out and move along.

However, the enforcement of this law is inconsistent. In many areas, especially during big events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, police are less likely to crack down on weed use unless someone is being disruptive.

The Future of Cannabis in New Orleans

While Louisiana has decriminalized weed and expanded medical access, full recreational legalization is still uncertain. However, there are signs of change:

Louisiana lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize recreational cannabis, but they haven’t passed yet.
The state continues to expand its medical marijuana program, allowing more patients to participate.
Public support for legalization is growing, which could influence future legislation.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans is one of the most cannabis-friendly cities in the South, but full legalization hasn’t arrived yet. While decriminalization has reduced penalties, recreational users still need to be cautious, especially when smoking in public. Meanwhile, medical marijuana patients have legal access to dispensaries, and the city seems to be moving toward a more progressive approach to cannabis.