Updated Louisiana law heightens penalties for marijuana use on college campuses

Updated Louisiana law heightens penalties for marijuana use on college campuses

FROM THE OFFICE OF LOUISIANA GOVERNOR JEFF LANDRY

MARIJUANA ON CAMPUS IS A CRIME

LOUISIANA LAW CHANGED ON AUGUST 1, 2026

WHERE THE LAW APPLIES

On campus property. Within 2,000 feet of campus property.

The statute defines "school" to include any public or private college or university in Louisiana and any vocational- technical school. It reaches any person, so it applies to employees and visitors as well as students.

La. R.S. 40:981.3(A), (C)(1)

WHAT CHANGED ON AUGUST 1, 2026

Act 305 of the 2026 Regular Session set a new penalty for marijuana possession in a school zone: imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for up to one year, plus a fine of up to $1,000. Before August 1, possessing 14 grams or less carried a fine of up to $100.

La. R.S. 40:981.3(E); La. R.S. 40:966(C)(2)(a)(i)

THE ZONE REACHES WELL PAST CAMPUS

Two thousand feet is more than a third of a mile measured out from the property line. On most Louisiana campuses that ring takes in apartments, dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, parking and tailgating lots.

La. R.S. 40:981.3(A)(1)

SMOKING AND VAPING ARE COVERED

Act 305 added a new paragraph reaching anyone who violates the drug laws "while smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusing" a controlled dangerous substance in these locations. A THC vape pen counts. Students or guests who possess a prescription order to possess marijuana are not exempt from legal recourse if smoking on school property. La. R.S. 40:981.3(A)(4)

THIS IS FELONY-LEVEL EXPOSURE

Louisiana defines a felony as any crime for which the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment at hard labor. The new penalty allows a sentence at hard labor. A conviction goes on an adult criminal record.

La. R.S. 14:2(4)

"I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS NEAR A SCHOOL" IS NOT A DEFENSE

The statute states that lack of knowledge that the act occurred on or within 2,000 feet of school property is not a defense.

La. R.S. 40:981.3(B)

PENALTIES

UP TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON

With or without hard labor.

UP TO A $1,000 FINE

In addition to imprisonment.