Louisiana Spotlight Shorts: High Times

High Times

The accessibility of cannabis in Louisiana has undergone major changes in recent years, causing confusion among citizens and legislators over what is legal.

In 2019, House Bill 491 was passed to create the state’s first consumable hemp industry, which allowed the production and distribution of hemp products in Louisiana. But loopholes inadvertently legalized high-inducing products across the state that today can be found in smoke shops, corner stores and gas stations.

With hemp products flourishing and the state's medical marijuana industry growing every day, it’s understandable for citizens to wonder whether cannabis is now legal in Louisiana. “This program brings some much-needed clarity about the confusion surrounding current laws regarding cannabis and hemp products in the state,” says LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett. “It’s important that we all fully understand how these products, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, impact our bodies so people can make informed decisions about whether and how to use them.”

Producer Ben Johnson was surprised at how much the cannabis industry is thriving in Louisiana. “Over the course of this production, I’ve been amazed at the rapid pace of change in our state’s hemp and marijuana laws, as well as the adaptability of the cannabis industry to navigate these laws quickly. The cannabis industry in Louisiana is far more robust than I was anticipating,” says Johnson.

Hosted by Kara St. Cyr.

Louisiana Spotlight Shorts: High Times also airs in New Orleans on WLAE-TV Monday, August 7 at 8:00PM.