Is Weed Legal in Arkansas?

Medical Cannabis Program

The medical cannabis program in Arkansas was established following the passage of Amendment 98 in November 2016. This amendment allowed for the legal use of cannabis for medical purposes for patients with qualifying medical conditions. The program is regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health, which oversees the licensing of dispensaries and cultivators, as well as the issuance of medical marijuana cards to patients.

Qualifying Conditions

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Any other debilitating medical condition as determined by a physician

How to Get a Medical Card

1. See a licensed physician who is registered with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program.
2. Apply to the state registry through the Arkansas Department of Health's online portal.
3. Pay an application fee, which is typically around $50.
4. Receive your medical marijuana card, usually within 14 days of application approval.

Card Validity & Renewal

Medical marijuana cards in Arkansas are valid for one year from the date of issuance. To renew the card, patients must go through a similar process as the initial application, which includes a visit to a licensed physician and payment of the renewal fee, typically around $50. Patients are encouraged to start the renewal process at least 30 days before their card expires to avoid any lapse in legal access.

Purchase & Possession Limits

Medical cannabis patients in Arkansas are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces (approximately 70.9 grams) of medical marijuana every 14 days. This limit is designed to ensure that patients have adequate access to their medication while preventing abuse of the system. Additionally, patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana at any given time.

Allowed Forms

Patients in Arkansas can obtain medical cannabis in various forms, including:

• Flower (dried cannabis)
• Concentrates (oils, waxes, etc.)
• Edibles (cannabis-infused food products)
• Topicals (creams, balms, etc.)
• Tinctures (liquid extracts)

However, smoking cannabis in public places is generally prohibited.

Where to Buy

Medical cannabis can be purchased at licensed dispensaries throughout Arkansas. As of October 2023, there are approximately 40 licensed dispensaries operating in the state. Patients can locate dispensaries through the Arkansas Department of Health's website or by using online resources that provide information on dispensary locations, hours of operation, and available products.

Recreational Status

Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Arkansas. Possession of cannabis for non-medical purposes can result in criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time. The state has not legalized recreational cannabis, and any possession of cannabis without a medical card is subject to law enforcement action.

Future Outlook

As of now, there are no active ballot measures or pending legislation aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis in Arkansas. However, public opinion on cannabis legalization is gradually shifting, and there may be future efforts to introduce legislation or ballot initiatives. Advocates for legalization continue to push for reform, citing potential economic benefits and the need for broader access to cannabis for therapeutic use.