House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes the "Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Program Regulation and Enforcement Act" in Louisiana, which aims to establish a temporary pilot program for the sale of adult-use cannabis. This initiative is intended to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a permanent adult-use cannabis program by testing its practicality in a real-world setting, identifying challenges, and collecting data on outcomes. The pilot program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, and will conclude on July 1, 2029. Participation is limited to existing therapeutic marijuana retailers and licensees, who must notify the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) of their intent to participate.

The bill outlines regulatory authority for the cultivation, processing, and sale of adult-use cannabis, including compliance with public health regulations. It introduces a fee structure that includes a $5,000 annual renewal fee for each retail location, cultivator, and laboratory involved in the pilot program, as well as a 3.5% fee on gross sales of both therapeutic and adult-use marijuana. The bill also clarifies that the existing 7% fee on therapeutic marijuana sales will remain for those opting out of the pilot program. Additionally, it amends the current sales and use tax exemption for medical marijuana to specify that it does not extend to adult-use cannabis sales.

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