New Louisiana Marijuana Law Increases Penalties on College Campuses
LOUISIANA - In a post to Facebook, Governor Jeff Landry is reminding students across Louisiana's college and university campuses that a new law is now in effect that significantly increases the potential penalties for certain marijuana-related offenses in and around schools.
The new marijuana law, called Act 305, went into effect August 1, 2026 and it creates tougher penalties for certain violations of Louisiana's drug-free school zone laws, which includes college campuses.
Here's what students across Louisiana need to know...
The New Louisiana Marijuana Law Covers A 2,000-Foot Zone
Under Act 305, harsher penalties now apply to certain controlled-substance violations involving smoking, vaping or otherwise using a controlled substance on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property, or on a school bus.
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That 2,000-foot boundary is worth paying attention to.
In other words, this isn't simply a rule about what happens inside a school building or on the football field. The law establishes a much larger drug-free school zone around qualifying school property.
That's particularly important during football season and other school events, when parking lots, surrounding streets and nearby businesses can be packed with students, parents, and fans.
State Representative Gabe Firment tells WBRZ -
The idea that you've got to break the law to enjoy yourself at an LSU football game, or at really any sort of college or secondary college event, you know that's just not the case. Let's create atmospheres where families and kids, and grandparents can go have a good time.
Marijuana Possession Can Bring A Much Bigger Penalty
Louisiana law already treated marijuana possession as illegal, but the penalties for possessing small amounts have generally been much less severe.
For example, state law currently states that possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana is punishable by a fine of up to $100 under the ordinary possession law.
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The new Louisiana marijuana law Act 305 changes this pretty significantly.
Now, for an offense involving marijuana possession in a school-zone law, a person can face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. The law also states that prison time may be with or without hard labor.
That's a pretty big difference from the $100 fine for possession of 14 grams or less.
What About Smoking Or Vaping Marijuana Near A School?
Act 305 specifically addresses people who violate Louisiana's controlled-substance laws while smoking, vaping or otherwise using a controlled substance on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property or on a school bus.
Medical Marijuana Exeption
According to Act 305, there is an exception to the law when it comes to medical marijuana.
If you're caught with marijuana and have the proper medical permissions to possess it, you'll be OK. However, you still can't vape or smoke medical marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property or on a school bus.
If you're caught doing so, you're still subject to the fines and penalties of Act 305.
The Bottom Line For Louisiana
Louisiana's new Act 305 creates significantly tougher consequences for marijuana and other controlled-substance offenses in drug-free school zones.
So whether you're a student, parent, football fan or just somebody passing through the area, it's worth knowing where that 2,000-foot boundary applies.
Read more at WBRZ.com.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott
