The full Louisiana House has given approval to legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana while in certain healthcare facilities, advancing the proposal to a third and final reading.
Senate Bill 270, filed by State Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews (D), has already passed the Senate by a vote of 33 to 2 and was approved unanimously by the House Committee on Health and Welfare. Once it’s passed through its third reading, which is expected as soon as this week, the measure will be sent to Governor Jeff Landry.
Under SB 270, healthcare facilities would be required to allow qualified patients to use medical marijuana if they have a terminal and irreversible condition under Louisiana law and a current recommendation for medical marijuana. Smoking and vaping would remain prohibited.
The proposal would leave responsibility for the marijuana with the patient or the patient’s primary caregiver. The patient or caregiver would be required to acquire, retrieve, administer and remove the marijuana, while doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other facility staff would not be allowed to administer, store, retrieve or otherwise assist with it.
The legislation would also require medical marijuana to be stored securely in a locked container provided by the patient, either in the patient’s room, another designated area or with the patient’s primary caregiver. Any remaining marijuana would need to be removed when the patient is discharged, or disposed of under facility policy if the patient cannot remove it and no caregiver is available.
Healthcare facilities would be required to adopt written guidelines and train staff on the policy.
The measure was amended earlier in the process to narrow the definition of healthcare facility, excluding freestanding or distinct behavioral health units, as well as emergency and outpatient departments.
If passed by the House and signed into law, SB 270 would take effect August 1, 2026.
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