What is New Orleans Code §54-507?

New Orleans Code of Ordinances §54-507 ("Marijuana — Possession") is the municipal ordinance that decriminalized cannabis possession at the city level. Originally enacted 2010, expanded by Mayor Landrieu in 2016 to cover any amount, and made mandatory under Mayor Cantrell in 2020. Penalties are $40–$100 with no jail time.

How much is a marijuana ticket in New Orleans?

$40 first offense, $60 second, $80 third, $100 thereafter under §54-507. No jail time. The city does not distinguish by quantity once charged municipally; the question of "how much" largely drops out for sentencing purposes.

New Orleans Code §54-507 — Cite-and-Release Rule

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects New Orleans cannabis law as of June 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the New Orleans Police Department + Orleans Parish DA or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: April 2026

What §54-507 Does

New Orleans Code of Ordinances §54-507 ("Marijuana — Possession") establishes that any person found in possession of marijuana within the city of New Orleans, regardless of quantity, may be issued a municipal summons. Following the 2020 amendment, the ordinance generally requires NOPD officers to issue a summons rather than make a custodial arrest for possession-only encounters.

Penalties under the city ordinance:

$40 first offense.
$60 second offense.
$80 third offense.
$100 thereafter.
No jail time.

The city does not distinguish by quantity in the way state law does — once you are charged municipally rather than under state law, the question of "how much" largely drops out for sentencing purposes.

The 2010 → 2016 → 2020 Evolution

2010

Original §54-507 enacted

New Orleans City Council adopts §54-507, giving NOPD the option to issue a municipal summons for marijuana possession of one ounce or less in lieu of state-law arrest. Officer discretion preserved.

March 2016

Landrieu expansion

Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the City Council expand §54-507 to allow the municipal-summons option for any amount, regardless of priors. Graduated fine structure: $40 first / $60 second / $80 third / $100 thereafter.

2020

Cantrell mandate

Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Council amend §54-507 to require rather than merely permit summons issuance for simple possession in most circumstances, removing officer discretion to make custodial arrest. Municipal pardons issued for past city-ordinance marijuana convictions.

Jan 11, 2021

DA Jason Williams takes office

Williams begins executing sweeping declination policy: simple cannabis possession will not be prosecuted, regardless of quantity within personal-use range. Thousands of pending non-violent cases dismissed. Office no longer accepts marijuana possession charges from any law-enforcement agency.

Aug 1, 2021

HB 652 (Act 247) statewide floor

Gov. John Bel Edwards signs HB 652 — possession of ≤14 g a misdemeanor with $100 max fine and no jail, regardless of priors. Statewide floor; New Orleans operates below it.

Aug 2021

Cantrell directive

Mayor Cantrell issues executive directive reinforcing cite-and-release. NOPD Operations Manual updated.

2022

Act 491 — flower authorized

Louisiana authorizes whole-flower cannabis sales through licensed pharmacies. H&W Drug Store and Sunflower can dispense flower.

July 2023

Williams acquitted

Federal jury acquits DA Williams on all counts in tax-fraud trial. Returns to office without interruption.

2025–2026

Mayoral transition + DA reelection cycle

Cantrell term-limited; October-November 2025 mayoral election determined her successor. Williams's first term runs through end of 2026, with reelection cycle in fall 2026.

What §54-507 Does NOT Do

It does not legalize cannabis. The City Council does not have the power to legalize a state-controlled substance.
It does not extend beyond Orleans Parish. Crossing into Jefferson Parish (Metairie, Kenner) or St. Tammany (Slidell, Mandeville) drops the ordinance entirely.
It does not protect you from Louisiana State Police on I-10, I-610, I-510, or the Crescent City Connection — those are state-law jurisdictions. See NOPD vs. LSP.
It does not protect against distribution-quantity charges. Possession with intent to distribute, packaging suggestive of dealing, scales, or quantities consistent with sales remain prosecutable.
It does not apply on federal land — Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), the Port of New Orleans cruise terminal, and any federal building or property are federal jurisdiction.

Practical Effect on NOPD

NOPD's Operations Manual has been updated to reflect the cite-and-release mandate. Field training emphasizes that custodial arrests for simple possession are disfavored. Officers retain discretion to escalate when cannabis is paired with another offense (firearm, DUI, outstanding warrant, distribution-quantity packaging). The declination policy does not protect distributors, traffickers, or anyone whose cannabis charge is paired with a violent offense.

How a §54-507 Summons Works

NOPD officer issues the summons in lieu of arrest.
The summons specifies a municipal-court appearance date (or pay-by-mail option).
The case is heard at the Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans at 727 South Broad Street.
Most defendants pay the fine and the case ends. Failing to pay or appear results in a bench warrant.

New Orleans Code §54-507 — Cite-and-Release