Is THCA Legal in Louisiana? – 2026 Legal Guide

THCA Legal Status in Louisiana

THCA flower, pre-rolls, and inhalable hemp products (including vapes) are banned for retail sale in Louisiana under HB 952. Non-smokable THCA products — such as edibles, tinctures, and oils — remain legal for adults 21+ provided total THC does not exceed 0.3% by dry weight, 5 mg per serving, and 40 mg per package. Read on for the full breakdown.

If you’re a Louisiana resident, retailer, or online shopper wondering whether THCA products are legal in your state, you’re not alone. Louisiana has enacted some of the strictest hemp regulations in the South—and the rules are more nuanced than a simple yes or no. 

THCA is legal in Louisiana, but only in specific product formats and within tightly defined THC concentration limits. Smokable hemp, including THCA flower and pre-rolls, is prohibited for retail sale. Non-smokable products like edibles, tinctures, and topicals remain accessible for adults 21 and older, provided they comply with state law. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about THCA’s legal status in Louisiana in 2025—including the specific laws, what products are permitted, how to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and what ATLRx is doing to keep Louisiana customers informed and compliant.

Table of contents:

• Key Takeaways
• What Is THCA? A Quick Overview
• Federal Law & the 2018 Farm Bill
• Is THCA Legal in Louisiana? The Direct Answer
• Louisiana’s Key Laws: HB 952 & Act 498 Explained
• Legal vs. Banned THCA Products in Louisiana
• Understanding Total THC vs. Delta-9 THC in Louisiana
• The 5 mg Serving Cap, 40 mg Package Limit & Other Key Rules
• Can THCA Flower Be Shipped to Louisiana?
• How to Read a COA for Louisiana Compliance
• THCA Products Available to Louisiana Customers from ATLRx
• The Future of THCA Laws in Louisiana
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• THCA is partially legal in Louisiana—non-smokable formats (edibles, tinctures, topicals) are permitted for adults 21+; THCA flower, pre-rolls, and vapes are banned for retail sale under HB 952.
• Louisiana uses a “total THC” calculation (Delta-9 THC + THCA × 0.877)—not just Delta-9 THC—meaning many products that appear federally compliant may exceed Louisiana’s legal threshold.
• Legal consumable hemp products are capped at 5 mg of total THC per serving and 40 mg per package, with mandatory QR-linked COAs and age verification (21+) required at the point of sale.
• Ordering THCA flower online and shipping it to Louisiana still carries legal risk even under federal law— ATLRx does not ship smokable hemp to Louisiana addresses.
• Always verify a product’s COA for the “total THC” line, batch-specific data, and third-party lab accreditation before purchasing any hemp product in Louisiana.

What Is THCA? A Quick Overview

Raw, unheated cannabis and hemp plants contain THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive form of THC. Raw THCA does not produce intoxicating effects like THC.

Smoking, vaping, or cooking (a process called decarboxylation) converts THCA into Delta-9 THC, which causes intoxication. THCA’s chemical relationship explains why Louisiana regulates it the way it does.

In raw form, THCA is present in hemp-derived products such as flower, concentrates, tinctures, and edibles. It falls under federal hemp law as long as total THC (including THCA after conversion) remains within legal thresholds — a nuance that is especially important in Louisiana.

Federal Law & the 2018 Farm Bill

In the 2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, extracts, and derivatives were legalized, provided they contained no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Under this federal framework, hemp-derived THCA is technically legal because it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp. However, the Farm Bill expressly allows states to impose stricter regulations on hemp and hemp-derived products — and Louisiana has done exactly that.

Key Point: Federal legality does not override Louisiana state law. Even if a THCA product is federally compliant, it may still be prohibited for sale or possession in Louisiana depending on its format and THC concentration.

Is THCA Legal in Louisiana? The Direct Answer

Yes — but only in specific, non-smokable formats and within strict THC limits.

Louisiana’s legal landscape around THCA as of 2025 can be summarized in three points:

• Smokable THCA products (flower, pre-rolls) are prohibited for retail sale.

• Inhalable hemp products (THCA vapes, e-cigarettes, cartridges) are banned for retail sale.
• Non-smokable THCA products (edibles, tinctures, oils, topicals) are legal for adults 21+ when they meet strict THC concentration limits.

The state’s position is not a full ban on THCA — it is a format-specific and concentration-specific regulatory framework. The format of the product and the total THC content determine legality, not THCA alone.

Louisiana’s Key Laws: HB 952 & Act 498 Explained

Two pieces of Louisiana legislation define the current THCA regulatory landscape:

House Bill 952 (HB 952)

Signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, HB 952 is the primary statute governing consumable hemp products in Louisiana. Some of its major provisions include:

• Smokable hemp products are prohibited, including THCA flower and pre-rolls.
• Prohibition of the retail sale of inhalable consumable hemp, including vape cartridges and e-cigarettes.
• A cap of 5 mg total THC per serving on all consumable hemp products sold in the state.
• A cap of 40 mg total THC per package on most consumable hemp products.
• QR codes must be included on product labels in order to link directly to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).
• Child-resistant packaging requirements and prohibitions on packaging that appeals to minors.
• Prohibition on sales at motor-fuel retail establishments (gas stations) and outlets licensed to sell alcohol, with a narrow exception for certain truck stops.

Act 498

Act 498 complements HB 952 by establishing the age-gating framework for consumable hemp sales in Louisiana:

• Only adults aged 21 or older may legally purchase consumable hemp products.
• A valid government-issued photo identification is required by retailers at the point of sale.
• Violations of age-verification requirements carry significant penalties for retailers.

Together, HB 952 and Act 498 make Louisiana one of the most restrictive hemp regulatory frameworks in the South. Compliance requires attention to product format, total THC concentration, age verification, labeling, and retail location.

Legal vs. Banned THCA Products in Louisiana

Always verify with a current COA before purchasing any hemp product.

Product Type	Louisiana Legal Status (2025)	Notes
THCA Flower (Smokable)	Banned — Retail Sale Prohibited	HB 952; all smokable hemp formats
THCA Pre-Rolls	Banned — Retail Sale Prohibited	Classified as smokable hemp
THCA Vapes / Cartridges	Banned — Retail Sale Prohibited	Inhalable hemp; includes disposables
THCA Concentrates (for smoking/dabbing)	Banned — Retail Sale Prohibited	Smokable/inhalable format
THCA Edibles (gummies, chocolates)	Legal — with THC caps	≤5 mg/serving, ≤40 mg/package; 21+
THCA Tinctures / Oils	Legal — with THC caps	Must meet total THC thresholds
THCA Topicals	Legal — generally	Non-ingestible; confirm total THC
CBD Products	Legal — with THC caps	Must comply with total THC limits
Hemp Beverages	Legal — special rules apply	Container-size & per-container THC caps differ

Understanding Total THC vs. Delta-9 THC in Louisiana

This is the most misunderstood aspect of Louisiana’s hemp law — and the one most likely to catch consumers and retailers off guard.

Most people assume that “compliance” means staying below 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, as established by the federal Farm Bill. Louisiana goes further: the state measures total THC, which includes both Delta-9 THC and THCA (after decarboxylation).

What Is Total THC?

The total THC is calculated using the following formula, which is used by many state labs:

Total THC = Delta-9 THC + (THCA × 0.877)

The 0.877 factor accounts for the mass lost when THCA converts to THC during decarboxylation. A product that shows 0.15% Delta-9 THC and 0.25% THCA could have a total THC of approximately 0.37% — exceeding the 0.3% limit even though the Delta-9 alone looks compliant.

Why This Matters for Consumers

When shopping for THCA products online or in stores, always check the COA for the “total THC” line — not just the Delta-9 THC percentage. A product marketed as “low-THC” may still fail Louisiana’s threshold once total THC is calculated.

Pro Tip: If a vendor’s COA does not show a clear “total THC” figure alongside Delta-9 THC and THCA separately, treat it with caution. Reputable vendors like ATLRx provide transparent, batch-specific COAs that break down each cannabinoid clearly.

The 5 mg Serving Cap, 40 mg Package Limit & Other Key Rules

For the consumable hemp products that are legal in Louisiana (edibles, tinctures, oils, beverages), HB 952 establishes specific concentration limits:

THC Concentration Limits

• 5 mg maximum total THC per serving
• 40 mg maximum total THC per package (for most product types)
• Beverages follow different rules based on container size and maximum per-container THC — always check beverage-specific regulations separately.

Labeling Requirements

Every compliant consumable hemp product sold in Louisiana must include:

• A QR code that links directly to the batch-specific COA (the COA must be verifiable before purchase)
• The number of mg of THC per serving and per package is clearly stated on the label
• A statement that the product may cause a positive drug test result
• A warning that the product is not intended for anyone under 21
• Child-resistant, youth-appealing-proof packaging

Retail Location Restrictions

• Hemp products may NOT be sold at motor-fuel retail establishments (gas stations)
• The sale of hemp products is not permitted in establishments licensed to sell alcohol
• A narrow exception exists for certain truck-stop locations — consult state guidance for specifics
• All retail sales require age verification (21+) with a valid photo ID

Can THCA Flower Be Shipped to Louisiana?

This is one of the most common questions from Louisiana residents, and the answer requires distinguishing between federal shipping rules and Louisiana state law.

Federal Perspective: Shipping Is Possible

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight can cross state lines. Many online THCA vendors do technically ship to Louisiana addresses.

Louisiana State Law Perspective: Ownership Risk

Even if a package is shipped and delivered, Louisiana’s ban on smokable hemp means that possessing THCA flower within the state creates legal risk. The retail sale ban extends to online purchases for local consumption.

ATLRx’s Position: We do not ship THCA flower or other smokable hemp products to Louisiana customers. We respect and comply with state law. Louisiana residents can still access compliant non-smokable THCA products from ATLRx, where available and legally permitted.

If you are in Louisiana and considering ordering THCA flower online from any vendor, we strongly recommend consulting a legal professional familiar with Louisiana hemp law before doing so. Laws can change, and enforcement practices vary.

How to Read a COA for Louisiana Compliance

COAs are third-party lab reports that verify the cannabinoid content, purity, and contamination status of a hemp product. For Louisiana residents, knowing how to read a COA is essential to confirming whether a product is legal.

What to Look for on a COA

• Batch number — must match the batch number on the product label.
• Delta-9 THC percentage — must be below 0.3% by dry weight for federal compliance.
• THCA percentage — check this separately; it contributes to total THC
• Total THC figure — confirm the lab calculated this using the standard formula (Delta-9 + THCA × 0.877); it must stay within state limits
• mg THC per serving and per package — for edibles/tinctures, confirm these match Louisiana’s 5 mg/serving and 40 mg/package limits
• Pesticide, heavy metal, residual solvent, and microbial contaminant panels – confirm passes.
• Lab accreditation — the testing lab should ideally be DEA-registered or ISO-accredited

Red Flags on a COA

• No total THC line — the vendor may be obscuring the real THC concentration
• QR code links to generic lab page, not batch report
• The COA date is more than 12 months old – it may not reflect the current batch.
• Cannabinoid numbers on the label don’t match the COA.

ATLRx provides batch-specific, third-party COAs for all products. You can view our lab reports at our website.

THCA Products Available to Louisiana Customers from ATLRx

Because ATLRx is committed to state-law compliance, our product availability for Louisiana customers reflects the current legal framework.

Currently Unavailable in Louisiana

• THCA Flower — banned for retail sale under HB 952
• THCA Pre-Rolls — classified as smokable hemp; banned
• THCA Vape Cartridges — inhalable hemp; banned
• THCA Concentrates intended for inhalation/dabbing — banned

Explore Compliant Alternatives

ATLRx continues to monitor Louisiana regulations and will update our catalog as laws evolve. Louisiana customers are encouraged to:

• Browse our full product catalog at atlrx.com for currently available compliant offerings.
• Contact our customer support team at 1-855-420-8278 or [email protected] for personalized guidance on what ships to Louisiana.
• Sign up for ATLRx updates to be notified when Louisiana’s regulations change and new products become available.

ATLRx Promise: Every ATLRx product comes with a batch-specific COA, transparent labeling, and compliance with applicable state and federal law. Our products will never be shipped to states where they are prohibited.

The Future of THCA Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana’s regulatory environment around hemp is not static. Several factors could influence how THCA laws evolve in the coming years:

• Federal Farm Bill reauthorization — A new Farm Bill (overdue as of 2025) may clarify THCA’s status at the federal level, which could pressure states to align or diverge.
• Neighboring state activity — As surrounding states adjust their hemp frameworks, Louisiana may face consumer and industry pressure to revisit restrictions on smokable hemp.
• LDAF regulatory guidance — The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) continues to issue guidance on hemp product testing, labeling, and enforcement. Watch the LDAF website for updates.
• Legislative sessions — Louisiana’s legislature meets annually. New bills could expand, restrict, or restructure the current hemp framework.

ATLRx recommends bookmarking the LDAF website (ldaf.state.la.us) and checking back on this article regularly. We update our state-by-state guides as laws change.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana has established one of the most structured and restrictive hemp regulatory frameworks in the South. The key takeaways for anyone asking “Is THCA legal in Louisiana?” are straightforward: format and total THC concentration are everything. Non-smokable products within concentration limits are legal; smokable and inhalable products are not.

Understanding the distinction between Delta-9 THC and total THC, knowing how to read a COA, and staying current with LDAF guidance are the three most important steps any Louisiana consumer or retailer can take to remain compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is THCA Legal in Louisiana in 2026?

Yes. THCA is legal in non-smokable formats (edibles, tinctures, oils, topicals) for adults 21+ when total THC stays within Louisiana’s limits (0.3% by dry weight; 5 mg/serving; 40 mg/package). THCA flower, pre-rolls, and inhalable hemp (vapes) are banned for retail sale under HB 952.

What Does HB 952 Ban Exactly?

HB 952 bans the retail sale of smokable hemp products (including THCA flower and pre-rolls) and inhalable consumable hemp products (including vape cartridges and e-cigarettes). It also restricts where hemp products can be sold and imposes THC concentration and labeling requirements.

How Does Louisiana Measure THC — Does It Include THCA?

Yes. Louisiana uses a “total THC” calculation that includes both Delta-9 THC and THCA (after applying a 0.877 decarboxylation factor). A product can look compliant based on Delta-9 THC alone, but fail Louisiana’s standard once THCA is factored in. Always check the total THC line on a COA.

What Is the THC Limit Per Serving and Per Package in Louisiana?

In most consumable hemp products, Louisiana caps the amount of THC per serving at 5 mg and the amount per package at 40 mg. Beverages have separate rules based on container size. Always verify the specific limits for the product type you are purchasing.

Can I Order THCA Flower Online and Have It Shipped to Louisiana?

While some online vendors may technically ship under federal law, possessing THCA flower in Louisiana creates legal risk due to the state’s smokable hemp ban. ATLRx does not ship THCA flower or smokable products to Louisiana. We recommend consulting a legal professional before ordering smokable hemp from any source to a Louisiana address.

Are THCA Concentrates Legal in Louisiana?

THCA concentrates intended for smoking or inhalation (wax, dabs, shatter) fall under the same smokable/inhalable hemp ban and are prohibited for retail sale in Louisiana. Non-smokable concentrate-based products (such as certain oils) may be compliant if they meet total THC thresholds — always verify with a COA.

Can THCA Vapes Be Purchased or Used in Louisiana?

No. THCA vapes and e-cigarettes are classified as inhalable consumable hemp and are banned for retail sale under HB 952. This applies to disposables, cartridges, and any vape format.

Does THCA Show up on a Drug Test?

THC metabolites are typically screened for in drug tests. It is likely that consuming THCA products, such as cigarettes or vapes, will result in a positive drug test result because THCA transforms into THC when heated. It is likely that consuming THCA products, such as cigarettes or vapes, will result in a positive drug test result because THCA transforms into THC when heated. Even non-smokable THCA products in sufficient quantities could potentially trigger a positive. ATLRx recommends that anyone subject to drug testing consult their employer’s policy and a medical professional.

What Is the Difference Between THCA and THC?

THCA is a raw, acidic precursor to THC found in unheated cannabis and hemp. Raw THCA is not intoxicating. In the presence of heat (smoking, vaping, cooking), THCA undergoes decarboxylation and becomes Delta-9 THC. This chemical conversion is why Louisiana’s regulations treat THCA-rich smokable products similarly to THC.

Who Regulates Hemp in Louisiana?

Hemp production, product testing, and compliance are regulated by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Retail enforcement may also involve local and state law enforcement agencies.

Will Louisiana Legalize THCA Flower in the Future?

It is possible but uncertain. Legislative changes, federal Farm Bill reauthorization, and regional trends could influence Louisiana’s position. ATLRx will update this guide whenever material legal changes occur.

What ATLRx Products Are Available to Louisiana Customers?

Due to Louisiana’s smokable hemp ban, ATLRx does not ship THCA flower, pre-rolls, vapes, or concentrates intended for inhalation to Louisiana.

ATLRx is committed to transparency, compliance, and keeping our customers informed. Do you have any questions related to Louisiana? Please reach out to our team anytime at 1-855-420-8278 or [email protected] if you have questions about what’s available in your state.