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New Louisiana Law Creates Penalties for Marijuana Use Near Schools
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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.
Source: Louisiana Legislature, HB 568 (Act 305).
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