This bill amends Louisiana law concerning the production and sale of therapeutic marijuana by transferring regulatory authority from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to the Louisiana Department of Health, effective January 1, 2025. Key changes include the issuance of marijuana retail permits by the Department of Health, the establishment of new rules and regulations, and the extension of the therapeutic marijuana program's termination date to July 1, 2030. The bill also clarifies the legal protections for permitted retailers and their employees, ensuring they are exempt from prosecution when operating within the state-sponsored medical marijuana program.

Additionally, the bill outlines new responsibilities for retail permit holders, such as maintaining connectivity to the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Tracking System and appointing a licensed pharmacist to oversee operations. It specifies the allocation of retail permits based on the Department of Health's administrative regions as of August 1, 2022, and introduces regulations regarding the proximity of retail locations and the requirement for home delivery services. The bill also includes a variance allowance for the active ingredients in marijuana products and repeals certain provisions of existing law, facilitating a smoother transition to the new regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
HB376 Original: 40:1046(H)(2)
HB376 Engrossed: 40:1046(L)
HB376 Enrolled: 40:966(F)(2), 40:1046(A)(1), 40:1(A), 40:2(F), 40:4(B), 40:1046(C)(2)
HB376 Act 693: 40:966(F)(2), 40:1046(A)(1), 40:1(A), 40:2(F), 40:4(B), 40:1046(C)(2)