This one confuses a lot of people—even lawmakers. How is it legal to sell THC in Louisiana without a medical card? And how is it the same molecule, but not treated the same? Let’s break it down.
It All Comes Down to One Number: 0.3%
In 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill federally legalized hemp. But it added a catch: hemp must contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
That tiny number—0.3%—is what separates legal hemp from illegal marijuana in the eyes of federal law. It has nothing to do with effect. It’s strictly about lab results and how the product is measured.
Here’s How Legal Hemp THC Products Work
Let’s say you have a gummy that weighs 5 grams (5,000 mg). According to the Farm Bill:
- 0.3% of 5,000 mg = 15 mg of Delta-9 THC
- That gummy can legally contain up to 15 mg of Delta-9 THC
- And still be classified as hemp
That means full-strength edibles are legal as long as the math checks out.
The THC Is the Same. The Rules Are Different.
Hemp-derived THC and marijuana-derived THC are chemically identical. Your body can’t tell the difference. The only distinction is where the THC came from and how it’s labeled.
Here’s what that means in real life:
- Hemp products can be sold without a medical card
- They can be shipped across state lines (where local laws allow)
- They’re taxed and regulated like supplements, not prescriptions
But this only applies if:
- The THC is extracted from hemp
- The final product is under the 0.3% limit by dry weight
- The product passes state-specific compliance rules (like Louisiana’s Act 498)
Wait—Then Why Do Medical Programs Exist?
Medical cannabis programs operate under state law, not the Farm Bill. They allow:
- Higher THC content per serving
- A wider range of delivery methods
- Access to patients who qualify for specific conditions
But they require:
- A doctor’s recommendation
- A medical dispensary
- Often, much higher prices and more red tape
Hemp-derived THC gives people another option—especially in states where the medical system is limited or slow-moving.
Rad Dad’s Take
We don’t use legal loopholes—we use legal leverage. Our products are:
- Fully compliant with Louisiana law
- Third-party tested with lab results you can read
- Matched to your needs—not just a high
We’re here because not everyone needs a card or high-dose product to feel better. For many people, hemp-derived THC offers just the right support—without the wait, the red tape, or the medical markup.
