Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Louisiana law
Cannabis laws in New Orleans follow Louisiana’s state law. For travelers, the jurisdiction’s law is the controlling standard—cities usually don’t define cannabis legality.
Recreational cannabis is illegal under state law. A medical cannabis program exists for qualifying patients. Possession of small amounts typically results in fines rather than jail time, but legal risk may still exist. Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Available
- Possession: Small amounts penalized with fines; still illegal
- Buying/Selling: Illegal for recreational
- Tourists: Medical access limited; federal risks apply
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products.
Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
New Orleans possession encounters varied by officer. At Mardi Gras or Voodoo Fest, some officers took the weed and moved people along because crowds and violence were bigger concerns. Selling drew more attention. Louisiana’s small-possession penalties have since changed, as covered in Marijuana Laws.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Uptown around Tchoupitoulas and the French Quarter, especially Bourbon Street, came up often. Sellers sometimes approached tourists directly, selling low-grade flower or something fake. People who bought that way looked at the bag and bargained. Better flower generally meant a local contact. Nightclubs and bars were also places to meet people, with a warning about occasional undercover officers.
Marijuana Prices
- Schwag: US$5 per gram, US$10 for an eighth, US$15–20 for a quarter, US$30–40 for a half ounce or US$60–70 for an ounce
- Midgrade: US$10 per gram, US$15–20 for an eighth, US$50 for a half ounce or US$90–110 for an ounce
- Kind bud: US$20 per gram, US$50–60 for an eighth, US$90–100 for a quarter, US$150–200 for a half ounce or US$300–350 for an ounce
Types of Marijuana
Weak, dirty schwag could feel unpleasant, and people worried about adulteration. Midgrade ranged from rough to decent. Kind bud was the standard better flower. Purple Haze and Acapulco Gold came through, with occasional California or Texas batches. The especially prized G-13 came with the old government-grow story.