DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 455 Engrossed 2020 Regular Session LaCombe
Abstract: Authorizes the recommendation of medical marijuana by a physician for any condition
for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care.
Present law authorizes physicians who are licensed by and in good standing with the La. State Board
of Medical Examiners to recommend medical marijuana for therapeutic use by patients clinically
diagnosed as suffering from a debilitating medical condition. Defines "debilitating medical
condition" to mean cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, positive status for human
immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cachexia or wasting syndrome,
seizure disorders, epilepsy, spasticity, severe muscle spasms, intractable pain, Crohn's disease,
muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post traumatic stress disorder, and certain conditions
associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Proposed law retains present law and adds to the list of debilitating medical conditions provided in
present law any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care or palliative care.
(Adds R.S. 40:1046(A)(2)(a)(xvii))