As of now, marijuana is not fully legalized in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, the city has taken steps towards decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Decriminalization in New Orleans
In 2016, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance that allowed police officers to issue a summons for possession of small amounts of marijuana instead of making an arrest. This ordinance aimed to reduce the number of arrests for marijuana possession, particularly among people of color who have been disproportionately affected by marijuana laws.
Medical Marijuana in New Orleans
While recreational marijuana is not yet legal in New Orleans, the state of Louisiana has legalized the use of medical marijuana. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a recommendation from a physician and purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Efforts to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
There have been efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in Louisiana, including in New Orleans. However, these efforts have not been successful so far. Advocates for legalization argue that it would generate tax revenue, create jobs, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
While marijuana is not fully legalized in New Orleans, the city has taken steps towards decriminalization and the state of Louisiana has legalized medical marijuana. It remains to be seen whether recreational marijuana will be legalized in the future, but for now, residents and visitors should be aware of the current laws and regulations surrounding marijuana in New Orleans.
