Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Arkansas

Arkansas was one of the first states in the South to create a medical marijuana program for their residents. Although there are still some cities that ban all things related to cannabis, creating a medical marijuana program is a big step in place towards statewide legalization. There are a number of Medical Marijuana dispensaries in Arkansas serving cannabis to patients registered through the Arkansas Department of Health.

Cannabis Laws in Arkansas

Even though medical marijuana has been legalized for patients under the statewide program, there are still a number of laws to follow.

It remains illegal for patients to use or possess cannabis at multiple different locations, including any federal property, daycare centers, school buses, in any motor vehicle, schools, in any correctional facility, or in any public place where you could be observed by others.

No patient or caregiver cultivation is permitted. All medical marijuana must be purchased from one of the state licensed dispensaries.

Recreational possession or usage of marijuana in Arkansas is still illegal. Possession of any amount less than 4 ounces of marijuana on a first offense is a misdemeanor that will lead to a fine of up to $2500 and up to one year in jail.

Members of the United States Military or Arkansas National Guard are prohibited from obtaining a medical marijuana card or becoming a designated caregiver.

What are the steps to applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas?

Gather your medical records that state your qualifying conditions.
Reach out and schedule a visit with a physician that certifies patients for medical marijuana.
Go to your scheduled visit with your ID, records, and physician fee and receive your written certification.
After you have received your certification, you can either mail in an application or do on online. If you wish to apply online, you just need to follow the instructions here.
Once you've applied, you just need to wait for approval. Once you are approved you can wait to receive your card in the mail or print your card yourself directly from your AMMsys account.

What are the qualifying conditions to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas?

Cancer
Glaucoma
Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Hepatitis C
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Tourette’s syndrome
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Severe arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Alzheimer’s disease
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Peripheral neuropathy
Intractable pain which is pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment or surgical measures for more than six (6) months
Severe nausea
Seizures including without limitation those characteristic of epilepsy
Severe and persistent muscle spasms including without limitation those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Health

What documents do I need to apply for a Medical Marijuana ID card in Arkansas?

The following are required:

The application form.
The complicated Physician Written Certification.
A photocopy of your Arkansas driver's license or state ID.
The non-refundable $50 application fee

How do I renew my Medical Marijuana Card?

If you are renewing your application online, you must provide an updated Physician Written Certification, a recent copy of your Arkansas driver's license or ID, and a debit or credit card for payment.

If you want to renew your application through the mail, you must provide a Patient Registry Application, an updated Physician Written Certification, a recent copy of your Arkansas driver's license or ID, and a check or money order for $50.

I don't have any of the listed conditions but I need a medical marijuana card, what can I do?

Patients suffering from medical conditions not on the list may petition the Department of Health for consideration of an illness. After a hearing, the department shall approve or deny a petition with 120 days. You can find more petition information here.

What is a Designated Caregiver?

A designated caregiver is a person selected by a qualifying patient as the person authorized, on the qualifying patient's behalf, to possess, obtain, from a certified medical marijuana dispensary, dispense and assist in the administration of medical marijuana. This is a great option for those who are disabled or unable to make frequent visits to medical marijuana dispensaries.

Caregivers must apply for a registry card, which cost $50 each. A designated caregiver is issued a medical marijuana registry identification card that allows him/her to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana on behalf of their patient. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.

You can apply to be a designated caregiver here.