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 the Louisiana Department of Health the authority to oversee these activities, including the creation of a seed-to-sale tracking system and the enforcement of civil penalties for violations. Key provisions include the requirement for licenses to cultivate or manufacture cannabis, criminal history checks for applicants, and the prohibition of production facilities in designated "drug-free zones." Additionally, the bill introduces personal cultivation permits for individuals over 21, allowing them to grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use, and mandates an annual license fee for producers.

The legislation also outlines specific requirements for cannabis retailers, including age restrictions, proof of premises, and compliance with sales limits, such as a maximum of one ounce of cannabis per individual per day. Retailers must maintain sales records for at least two years and implement tracking systems. The bill emphasizes transparency by classifying contracts with licensees as public records and includes provisions for the limited transportation of cannabis products. Notably, the administration of the cannabis program will shift from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to the Louisiana Department of Health, and the previous cap on production facility licenses will be removed, ensuring a more robust regulatory environment for the cannabis industry in the state.