Is THCA Flower Legal in Louisiana?

THCA flower is illegal in Louisiana as of 2025. The state now bans all smokable hemp products, including flower rich in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), under House Bill 952.

What Is THCA Flower?

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. When heated—by smoking, vaping, or cooking—it converts into Delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects.

THCA flower refers to hemp flower high in THCA, which becomes intoxicating after decarboxylation. Though raw THCA doesn’t get users high, its potential for conversion creates legal complexities in states like Louisiana.

Why Did Louisiana Ban THCA Flower?

Louisiana banned THCA flower to regulate intoxicating hemp derivatives (IHDs). Lawmakers passed House Bill 952 to close loopholes that allowed these compounds to be sold under hemp laws.

Because THCA becomes THC when heated, regulators treat it similarly to marijuana. All smokable hemp, including THCA flower, is now explicitly prohibited for retail sale in the state.

What Does House Bill 952 Say?

House Bill 952, signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, reshaped Louisiana’s hemp industry. Here’s how it impacts THCA flower:

• All floral hemp is banned for retail sale.
• “Total THC” includes THCA, Delta-9 THC, and all other derivatives.
• Retail sales of hemp products at gas stations or alcohol-licensed stores are prohibited.
• Consumable hemp items are capped at 5 mg THC per serving and 40 mg per package.

The Louisiana Department of Health may approve certain products exceeding these limits, but smokable hemp is excluded from exemptions.

Is Any THCA Legal in Louisiana?

THCA in non-smokable forms may still be legal if the total THC remains at or below 0.3% by dry weight. This could include products like topicals, tinctures, or capsules, assuming they meet all testing and labeling requirements.

However, THCA flower is illegal, regardless of how it’s marketed or consumed.

What Are the Penalties for Possessing THCA Flower?

Possessing THCA flower may carry the same penalties as marijuana:

• Possession under 14 grams results in a $100 fine with no jail time.
• Larger quantities or repeat offenses can lead to felony charges, higher fines, and prison terms.
• If law enforcement tests and finds the THC level exceeds 0.3% after heating, the product is treated as illegal cannabis.

Why Is THCA Treated Like THC?

THCA is regulated because of its ability to convert into THC. This transformation allows users to experience psychoactive effects, even if the product starts within legal limits.

This conversion risk makes it difficult to regulate under current hemp definitions, leading to blanket bans in states like Louisiana.

What Should Consumers Know?

Consumers in Louisiana should not buy or possess THCA flower. Even if a product is labeled hemp-derived, it is illegal if it’s smokable or exceeds legal THC thresholds.

Instead, individuals should choose third-party-tested products from licensed retailers that offer edibles, capsules, or topicals that meet Louisiana’s strict compliance rules.

Will Louisiana Legalize THCA Flower in the Future?

Legalization of THCA flower in Louisiana is unlikely in the near term. While the state has made progress in decriminalization and expanded access to medical marijuana, it remains cautious toward psychoactive hemp derivatives.

Still, public support for cannabis reform is growing, and future legislation may reconsider how cannabinoids like THCA are treated, especially as neighboring states adopt more progressive policies.

Final Thoughts

THCA flower is illegal in Louisiana under current law. House Bill 952 classifies THCA as part of total THC and bans all smokable hemp products, including flower.

Consumers and businesses must comply with these strict regulations to avoid penalties. For safe, legal hemp products, choose reputable sources that prioritize compliance, transparency, and lab testing.

As cannabis laws continue to evolve, staying informed is essential. Monitor changes, read product labels carefully, and consult with professionals if you’re unsure about a product’s legality.