Louisiana § RS 3:1471 - Criminal penalties
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 3:1471 — Criminal penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 3:1471. Criminal penalties
A. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to cultivate, handle, process, or transport industrial hemp in any of the following circumstances:
(1) Without a license.
(2) Outside the scope of a license.
(3) If the industrial hemp originates from a seed that has not been approved by the commissioner.
(4) If the Cannabis sativa L. plant or any part of that plant would otherwise be industrial hemp as defined by this Part except that it has a THC concentration that exceeds the THC concentration authorized in this Part. This shall not include handling the plant for destruction as required by the department pursuant to this Part.
B. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than one year nor more than twenty years and shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, the Southern University Agricultural Center, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy when performing research and development as provided for in R.S. 3:1469.
Acts 2019, No. 164, §1, eff. June 6, 2019; Acts 2020, No. 344, §1; Acts 2021, No. 336, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 3:1471
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 3:1471 cover?
Section RS 3:1471 ("Criminal penalties") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 3:1471?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 3:1471" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 3:1471 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.