House Bill No. 738, introduced by Representative Jordan, seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products in Louisiana. The bill empowers the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to oversee these activities, including the issuance of licenses, conducting criminal history checks, and setting associated fees. It introduces definitions for key terms related to cannabis, such as "cultivate," "cannabis products," and "licensee," and mandates that no person or entity may engage in cannabis cultivation or manufacturing without a license. The bill also outlines requirements for personal cultivation permits, allowing individuals aged 21 and older to cultivate up to six cannabis plants for personal use, with a permit fee of $75.

Additionally, the bill establishes specific regulations for cannabis retailers, including age restrictions, sales limits, and the requirement to implement tracking systems for sales. Retailers must be at least 21 years old and are prohibited from selling more than one ounce of cannabis per day to any individual. The legislation also includes provisions for criminal history checks to ensure that applicants for licenses do not have certain disqualifying criminal backgrounds. Overall, House Bill No. 738 aims to create a structured and regulated cannabis industry in Louisiana, ensuring safety and compliance through various licensing and operational requirements.