Gov. John Bel Edwards has agreed to match Louisiana's drug laws to conform with its medical marijuana program, so someone who gets the therapeutic drug legally can't be prosecuted.The governor's office announced this week that Edwards signed the bill by Republican Sen. Fred Mills into law. It takes effect Aug. 1.SEE ALSO: 10 diseases medical marijuana could help treatThe measure aims to protect patients of the state-sponsored medical marijuana program from laws that penalize people for possession or distribution of marijuana. It also extends that protection to a patient's caregiver and the parents of a minor who receives medical marijuana.The final version of the bill passed with a 29-7 Senate vote and 67-21 House vote.Louisiana is still 18 months or more away from getting medical marijuana into patients' hands.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

Gov. John Bel Edwards has agreed to match Louisiana's drug laws to conform with its medical marijuana program, so someone who gets the therapeutic drug legally can't be prosecuted.

The governor's office announced this week that Edwards signed the bill by Republican Sen. Fred Mills into law. It takes effect Aug. 1.

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SEE ALSO: 10 diseases medical marijuana could help treat

The measure aims to protect patients of the state-sponsored medical marijuana program from laws that penalize people for possession or distribution of marijuana. It also extends that protection to a patient's caregiver and the parents of a minor who receives medical marijuana.

The final version of the bill passed with a 29-7 Senate vote and 67-21 House vote.

Louisiana is still 18 months or more away from getting medical marijuana into patients' hands.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.

Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!