LAC 22:XI.902. Medical Marijuana Usage While Under Parole Supervision

A. Medical Marijuana—marijuana given legally through a state-approved pharmacy. B. Valid Medical Recommendation—a current written recommendation from an authorized clinician licensed in Louisiana. C. Under R.S. 40:1046, individuals with specific medical needs are allowed to use marijuana if a Louisiana-licensed clinician recommends it. Although marijuana is legal in Louisiana, it remains illegal under federal law. The Committee on Parole has the power to approve or deny its use for parolees. 1. To determine eligibility, the parolee must provide their supervising officer with the following information: a. a copy of the clinician’s recommendation; b. a receipt or printout showing they are signed up with a Louisiana dispensary; and c. an advanced written notice to their supervising officer of their intention to use medical marijuana. 2. Once the required documentation is verified, the supervising officer will submit the information to the committee for review. 3. The committee will base its decision on the following reasons: a. the crime(s) the individual is on parole for; b. public safety concerns; c. the safety concerns of the parolee; and d. the rules and regulations of the parolee's treatment program, if applicable. 4. If approved, the parolee will be exempt from THC detection on routine drug screens but will still be screened for other illegal drugs. D. A positive drug test for THC alone will not result in a revocation if medical use is approved and properly documented. 1. Evidence of non-compliance, diversion, or unauthorized use shall be grounds for sanctions, up to and including revocation of parole. E. The parolee must keep their clinician’s recommendations and dispensary records current, as they may be required to show updates during check-ins or when requested by their supervising officer.