House Bill No. 738, introduced by Representative Jordan, seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products in Louisiana. The bill grants authority to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to oversee these activities, including the issuance of licenses for production facilities and retailers. Key provisions include the requirement for criminal history checks for applicants, the establishment of a seed-to-sale tracking system, and the imposition of civil penalties for violations. The bill also mandates that no person or entity may cultivate or manufacture cannabis without a license and prohibits production facilities from being located in designated "drug-free zones."

Additionally, the bill introduces specific regulations regarding licensing fees, transportation of cannabis products, and personal cultivation permits for individuals over 21. Licensees are required to pay an annual fee, capped at $100,000, to support the regulation of cannabis. Retailers must comply with age restrictions, sales limits, and record-keeping requirements, while personal cultivation permits allow individuals to grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use. The legislation aims to ensure safety, compliance, and accountability within the cannabis industry in Louisiana, while also making contracts with licensees public records under the Public Records Law.