House Bill No. [insert number] seeks to establish the "Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Program Regulation and Enforcement Act" in Louisiana, which will test the implementation of a permanent adult-use cannabis program through a temporary pilot program running from January 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. The bill outlines the regulatory framework, granting authority to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to oversee various aspects of cannabis, including cultivation, processing, and retail sales. It specifies that only existing retailers authorized to sell therapeutic marijuana can participate in the pilot program, requiring them to notify LDH of their intent and identify a retail location 90 days prior to the program's start. The legislation also establishes a fee structure, including a $5,000 annual renewal fee for each participating retail location, cultivator, and laboratory.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law regarding sales and use tax exemptions for therapeutic marijuana, clarifying that such exemptions do not apply to retail sales of marijuana authorized outside of therapeutic use. It introduces a 3.5% fee on gross sales of both therapeutic and adult-use marijuana during the pilot program, while maintaining a 7% fee for those opting out of the pilot but continuing to sell therapeutic marijuana. The fees collected will be managed by the Department of Revenue and deposited into the Disability Services Fund. Overall, the bill aims to create a controlled environment for evaluating adult-use cannabis sales, ensuring public health and safety while contributing financially to state services.

Statutes affected:
HB627 Original: 47:2(B)(11)