House Bill No. by Representative Newell seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis in Louisiana by enacting new chapters in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The bill defines key terms related to cannabis, such as "cultivate," "licensee," and "production facility," and grants the Department of Agriculture and Forestry the authority to oversee the industry, including the issuance of licenses and permits. It mandates criminal history checks for applicants, sets application fees, and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill limits the number of production facility licenses to ten and establishes geographic distribution requirements, ensuring that applicants meet specific criteria regarding criminal history and residency.

Additionally, the bill outlines operational restrictions for cannabis retailers, including limits on the amount of cannabis that can be sold to an individual per day and a prohibition on online sales. It requires retailers to verify customer age and prohibits the sale of non-cannabis consumables on the premises. The commissioner of alcohol and tobacco control is empowered to enforce these regulations, including the authority to revoke or suspend permits for non-compliance. Overall, the bill aims to create a regulated and safe environment for the cannabis industry in Louisiana while ensuring compliance with legal standards.