New Louisiana Law Creates Penalties for Marijuana Use Near Schools

New Louisiana Law Creates Penalties for Marijuana Use Near Schools

BATON ROUGE — A new Louisiana law set to take effect on August 1 will impose additional penalties on individuals convicted of smoking marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property, including college campuses.

House Bill 568, authored by State Rep. Gabe Firment and signed into law by Jeff Landry on May 22, expands Louisiana’s drug-free zone statutes.

Under the law, anyone found guilty of smoking, vaping, or otherwise using a controlled dangerous substance on school property, within 2,000 feet of school grounds, or on a school bus may face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

The legislation does not create a new standalone marijuana offense. Instead, it adds enhanced penalties for convictions involving drug use in designated drug-free zones surrounding schools and educational facilities.

The law applies to property used for school purposes by public and private schools, as well as college and university campuses across the state.

The measure becomes effective August 1, 2026.

Related Stories

Slidell Breaks Ground on New Police Department Headquarters

Minister Among 10 Arrested In Assumption Parish Child Predator Sting

Two Arrested After Veterans’ Memorial Plaques Stolen From Hancock County Cemeteries

Tropical Depression Edouard Keeps Flooding Threat Alive After Louisiana Landfall

Trending Now

1. 1Update: Power has been restored.
2. 2Northshore Community Mourns Loss of Respected Realtor Yvette Catoire Sehon
3. 3Louisiana Sheriff Warns Parents About Threatening “Cat In The Hat” TikTok Reel
4. 4Louisiana Sheriff Warns Parents About Threatening “Cat In The Hat” TikTok Reel
5. 5Louisiana Sheriff Warns Parents About Threatening “Cat In The Hat” TikTok Reel