What Are Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas?

Arkansas cannabis laws state that only people with certain medical conditions may apply for a medical marijuana card. Qualified physicians will only provide written approval for patients with one of the following conditions: 1. Cancer 2. Glaucoma 3. AIDS/HIV 4. Alzheimer's disease 5. Hepatitis C 6. Crohn’s disease 7. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 8. Fibromyalgia 9. Severe arthritis 10. Peripheral neuropathy 11. Seizures 12. Intractable pain 13. Ulcerative colitis 14. And any other condition approved by the ADH. If your medical condition is not listed on the ADH’s list, you can file a petition to add a new qualification. The department will then have 120 days to approve or deny your request. To obtain consent from your physician, you'll need to discuss your condition with them. If they approve medical cannabis to treat your condition, they must complete a Physician Written Certification that you will then submit when applying for a cannabis card. Keep in mind that the physician must be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Arkansas.

How Do You Apply for a Medical marijuana Card in AR?

After receiving written approval from a qualified physician, you must obtain a medical marijuana card, which is issued by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). To receive a card, you must meet four requirements: 1. You must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, you must have your caregiver apply for a caregiver card. 2. You must have a qualifying medical condition accompanied by written approval from a qualified physician. 3. You must have proof of residency in Arkansas, including a driver’s license or a state ID issued by the DMV. However, you cannot be a member of the US military or the Arkansas National Guard and thus cannot use a military ID to apply. 4. You must pay a $50 application fee to the ADH. If you meet the above requirements, you can apply for and receive a medical marijuana card. You will receive notification of approval between 10 and 14 days after completing the requirements. After approval, you can print your own card when it appears in your online account or wait for your paper copy to arrive in the mail.

How Long Does a Medical Marijuana Card Last in Arkansas?

Arkansas medical marijuana cards expire after one year. To remain an active patient, you must pay a $50 fee each year, known as your renewal. You can renew your card for another year up to sixty days in advance of its expiration date. You’ll be required to provide the same documents you submitted when you first applied. If you lose your card, you can easily reprint your card from your ADH profile.

Is Medical Cannabis Information Released in Arkansas?

The information you submit to the ADH for a medical cannabis card will remain confidential. Identifying details will not be shared with law enforcement, your employer, or any other entity. However, members of law enforcement are trained to confirm whether an Arkansas medical cannabis card is valid or invalid.

What Happens if You Lose Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?

If you lose your medical marijuana card in Arkansas, simply visit your online account and print a replacement. If you cannot access your online account, you will need to contact the ADH. The same applies if your card was stolen or damaged beyond repair. Some dispensaries may accept visual confirmation of the online version of your medical card, but you should call ahead to confirm.

Where Can I Use Marijuana in Arkansas?

Medical marijuana cannot be consumed everywhere in Arkansas. There are certain spaces where cannabis is prohibited, including: 1. Preschool, primary, and secondary school grounds 2. School buses 3. Correctional facilities 4. Motor vehicles 5. Private residences where childcare is provided 6. Any public place where an individual can observe you 7. Health care facilities 8. Any location prohibited by the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 9. Anywhere in close proximity to minors Any place not specified above is likely a legal place to consume medical marijuana, though a private residence is widely accepted as the best option. Be vigilant about ensuring you follow all cannabis consumption regulations. For example, you can consume cannabis in private residences as long as the residence is not used for child or foster care.

How Can You Purchase Medical Marijuana in Arkansas?

If you meet the above-listed qualifications and receive a medical marijuana card, you must still abide by certain laws when purchasing cannabis. Keep in mind: you must purchase medical marijuana from a state-approved dispensary, and you cannot purchase cannabis from any other source. When visiting state-approved dispensaries in Arkansas, you must show your medical marijuana card and a valid ID before entry and before any purchase. Resident medical marijuana patients are allowed to purchase up to two and a half ounces of flower in any 14-day period. Each purchase of flower counts against this balance on a rolling calendar. Qualified patients can check their balance on the ADH’s website.

Can You Grow Your Own Cannabis in Arkansas?

It is illegal for you or your caregiver to grow your own cannabis. Cannabis grown on your own can’t be regulated by the state of Arkansas, as is required by the ADH. If you are found to be in possession of more cannabis than legally allowed, including live cannabis plants, you could face severe penalties. All cannabis products, including cannabis-infused products like edibles, must be purchased directly from a dispensary. If you wish to become a dispenser or cultivator of cannabis, you must approach the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission for licensing.

Can You Visit a Dispensary Without Getting a Card?

If you want to enter a dispensary, you must have an ID and a medical marijuana card. Dispensaries will not serve you if you are without either item. Dispensaries risk legal trouble if they are unsure whether you are legally allowed to consume cannabis and thus require both a government-issued photo ID and an official Arkansas medical marijuana card. A medical card is not sufficient identification in the state of Arkansas.

Can You Visit a Dispensary Before Receiving Your Medical Card?

If you have received approval from the ADH for an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card, you will need to present it to purchase medical cannabis. The card should take under 30 days to arrive in the mail. If you’re going to a dispensary for the first time and before your card arrives, you can print a temporary copy from the electronic version on the ADH site after it appears in your account. Some dispensaries have stated that they will accept visual confirmation of your electronic card as a valid method for a purchase, but be sure to check with your dispensary before making the trip.

Will Arkansas Accept Medical Marijuana Cards from Other States?

Arkansas does not offer a reciprocity program for visitors. However, if a visitor from another state wishes to use medical cannabis in Arkansas , they can apply for a temporary medical cannabis card. You must pay a $50 fee, then wait for 10 to 14 days for approval. When approved, the temporary card allows visitors to purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries only for a 90-day period. Should you wish to extend this period, you must reapply, which requires another $50 fee.

Can You Smoke Cannabis In Public in Arkansas?

You cannot use any cannabis product in a public place where you might be observed by other individuals. This includes smoking, vaping, or consuming oral products. The best place to consume medical cannabis in Arkansas is in your home, provided there are no minors present.

Will Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana in Arkansas?

Due to the current legal status of cannabis on a federal level and the regulations in place within the insurance industry, it is unlikely insurance will cover your medical marijuana. It never hurts to speak with your insurance provider about covering the cost of the office visits required to obtain a medical marijuana card, though!

Can You Purchase Edibles in Arkansas?

Cannabis edibles are legal for purchase in Arkansas, and the best dispensaries will feature a variety of readymade cannabis edible products. You can also purchase products like tinctures and add them to your preferred food or beverage items at home. As always, remember to consume your cannabis in your private residence and out of view of minors or the general public.

Can You Be Fired for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas?

Arkansas laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of their participation in the medical marijuana program. Employers in Arkansas also cannot fire medical marijuana card holders for a positive cannabis test if they are not under the influence while at work. However, employers are strictly forbidden from allowing workers to consume cannabis while on the job or work while under the influence. For this reason, employers can discipline or fire you for consuming cannabis in the workplace or working while under the influence.

Who Can Be a Designated Caregiver?

A designated caregiver is responsible for holding and purchasing medical marijuana on the patient's behalf. They are authorized to administer and dispense medical cannabis for the patient, but they must register for this position. Caregivers who qualify will receive a medical marijuana card, allowing them to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of flower in a rolling 14-day period on behalf of their patient. Caregivers are forbidden to consume any medical marijuana that is intended for their patients. In most cases, caregivers must undergo a criminal background check before registering, but if the caregiver is the patient's parent, they do not have to complete the background check.

Can There Be Multiple Caregivers/Patients?

Patients are allowed to designate more than one caregiver to hold medical marijuana. If more than one caregiver is involved, both must register and pay the required fees separately. Also, if required, each caregiver must complete their own background check. Likewise, caregivers are allowed to care for more than one patient. Should a caregiver wish to assist multiple patients, they must pay the $50 fee and apply for a registry card for each patient. For example, if a caregiver has three patients, they must pay the fee and apply for three cards. A caregiver can also be a registered qualifying patient. Caregivers must go through the application processes as both a patient and a caregiver.

Marijuana in Arkansas FAQs | Arkansas Cannabis Laws

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Are you curious about medical marijuana in Arkansas and how it works?

You're not alone. Since the state legalized medical cannabis in 2016, many Arkansains have questions about what this means for them. From researching possible qualifying conditions to navigating through the application process, there is a lot to understand when it comes to Arkansas medical cannabis. To help demystify some common questions, cwe’ve gathered all things related to getting certified for and purchasing medical marijuana in Arkansas – we hope you find the answers you’re looking for!

Medical Marijuana Becomes Legal in Arkansas

Medical marijuana first became legal in Arkansas after 53% of voters turned out in favor of the measure in 2016. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, also referred to as Amendment 98, allows the use of medical marijuana in the state. The amendment also required the Department of Health to distribute registration cards to those who qualified.

While medical cannabis became legal in 2016, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the state did not open until 2019 as the state legislature made adjustments to the amendment and the requirements surrounding it. Amendment 98 has since allowed over 100,000 people struggling with specific medical conditions to use medical cannabis to address their symptoms using cannabis.

Arkansas Medical Marijuana FAQs

As of March 2023, marijuana in Arkansas is only legal for medical purposes; in fact, as recently as November 2022, state constituents voted against recreational cannabis.

To participate in the state medical program and obtain cannabsi legally, you must meet certain qualifications in order to obtain medical cannabis. Here are some common questions involving medical cannabis laws:

AR Medical Marijuana Caregiver FAQs

Minors with disabilities approved for medical marijuana must designate a caregiver who will be responsible for purchasing and holding cannabis for them. Each patient can designate more than one caregiver, but each caregiver must apply separately and pay the required fee. There are certain laws caregivers must follow in Arkansas.

Where Can You Purchase Medical Cannabis in Arkansas?

In 2019, a ballot was introduced proposing the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state, but when the measure came up for a vote the following year, the ballot did not secure enough votes to pass. While the future is uncertain with regard to recreational cannabis, the state and its constituents are forward-thinking in allowing the medicinal use of the plant.

If you are looking for quality medical cannabis products in Arkansas, our El Dorado medical cannabis dispensary is open every day to serve the local community. With a wide variety of strains and products from edibles to extracts, the Zen Leaf AR medical marijuana menu is full of carefully selected products to fit your very individual needs.

References:

Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program. https://mmj.adh.arkansas.gov/
How to Apply | UAMS Arkansas Medical Cannabis Study. UAMS Research. https://research.uams.edu/medical-cannabis/resources/arkansas-laws-and-regulations/how-to-apply/
Medical Marijuana FAQ's Arkansas Department of Health. https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/medical-marijuana-faqs
Report State Medical Cannabis Laws. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws

Danyal Swan

Author

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana in Arkansas