Louisiana closing in on expanded conditions list for medical cannabis program

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Medical marijuana businesses would be permitted to sell MMJ to treat more diseases and disorders under two bills that are steps from final passage.

Doctors could recommend medical cannabis for five conditions contained in House Bill 579, which Senators approved 25-9 on Wednesday:

  • Glaucoma
  • Severe muscle spasms
  • Intractable pain
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Parkinson’s disease

The Senate then voted 21-10 in favor of HB 627, which would add autism spectrum disorder.

Both bills now head back to the House for approval of the Senate changes. The House already has passed the proposals.

If they pass, the bills would be a boon for medical cannabis sales and lessen concerns about the viability of Louisiana’s program, which is expected to launch this summer.

The current state law allows the use of MMJ only for the treatment of cancer, a severe form of cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy and other specific diseases.

Medical marijuana can be sold in medicinal oils, pills, sprays and topical applications but not in a form that can be smoked.

– Associated Press