House Bill No. by Representative Newell seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis in Louisiana by creating a new chapter in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The bill designates the Department of Agriculture and Forestry as the primary regulatory authority and outlines various provisions including licensing requirements, criminal history checks, application fees, and transportation restrictions. It mandates the development of a seed-to-sale tracking system to monitor cannabis products throughout their lifecycle, from cultivation to retail sale. The legislation also includes specific definitions related to cannabis and sets forth requirements for obtaining licenses, including limitations on the number of licenses issued and the prohibition of licenses in "drug-free zones."

Additionally, the bill imposes strict regulations on cannabis retailers, such as prohibiting sales of more than one ounce of cannabis per day to an individual and restricting sales to individuals under 21. Retailers must verify customer age through acceptable identification and are barred from selling non-cannabis consumables or providing entertainment on the premises. The commissioner of alcohol and tobacco control is empowered to revoke or suspend permits for violations, with penalties ranging from fines to potential imprisonment. Overall, the legislation aims to create a structured and safe environment for the legal cannabis industry in Louisiana while ensuring public health and safety are prioritized.