Louisiana Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides an educational overview of Louisiana’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of July 1, 2026. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Louisiana hemp laws: quick overview

Louisiana’s industrial hemp framework originates from Act 164 (HB 491) of the 2019 Regular Session, signed June 6 2019, which defines industrial hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with total THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight and authorizes LDAF to license growers and handlers (RS 3:1461 et seq.) ([ldaf.la.gov](https://www.ldaf.la.gov/plants/industrial-hemp/regulations?utm_source=openai)). Act 336 of 2021 removed LDAF’s authority over consumable hemp processing, shifting that to the Department of Health (LDH), and retail permitting to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) ([ldaf.la.gov](https://www.ldaf.la.gov/plants/industrial-hemp/regulations?utm_source=openai)). Act 752 of the 2024 Regular Session (HB 952), effective January 1 2025, imposes stricter limits on consumable hemp products: Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% and Total THC ≤ 1% dry weight; per‑serving cap of 5 mg total THC; per‑package cap of 40 mg total THC; bans inhalable formats and raw hemp flower; prohibits hemp‑infused alcoholic beverages; restricts retail to age 21+ with ID verification; and limits retail permits for bars/restaurants (grandfathering only) ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/delta-9-in-louisiana-legal-status-use-and-implications/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of consumable hemp products are allowed if the products are registered with LDH and meet Louisiana’s THC limits and format restrictions. Remote retailers must comply with state definitions and ensure product and label approval. Age verification (21+) is required at point of sale. Retailers must hold a permit from ATC.

Testing & COA guidance

Consumable hemp products must be tested by an ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited laboratory and registered with LDH prior to sale. LDAF tests hemp crops pre‑harvest for total THC (post‑decarboxylation) with an uncertainty adjustment of 0.104%; >0.3% triggers stop‑order, >1.0% triggers further enforcement ([ldaf.la.gov](https://www.ldaf.la.gov/plants/industrial-hemp/regulations?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Legal products include consumable hemp formats such as tinctures, oils, salves, gels, creams, lotions, lip balms, bath bombs, beverages (≥12 oz servings), and single‑use syringes without needles, provided they meet THC limits and are registered with LDH ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/delta-9-in-louisiana-legal-status-use-and-implications/?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid smokable, vapable, or inhalable hemp products and raw hemp flower (banned as of Jan 1 2025), hemp‑infused alcoholic beverages, and any consumable hemp product exceeding Δ9 0.3%, total THC 1%, 5 mg per serving, or 40 mg per package ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/delta-9-in-louisiana-legal-status-use-and-implications/?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Total THC (post‑decarboxylation) must not exceed 0.3% dry weight; >1.0% triggers enforcement by LDAF
• Consumable hemp products must comply with Act 752 (2024), effective Jan 1 2025: Δ9 ≤ 0.3%, Total THC ≤ 1%, ≤ 5 mg per serving, ≤ 40 mg per package
• Inhalable products and raw hemp flower banned for retail sale as of Jan 1 2025
• Must register consumable hemp products with LDH and obtain retail permit via ATC
• Purchase age minimum is 21 with ID verification required

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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