Cannabis in Arkansas: Medical Use Laws and Rules

by | Last updated Jun 29, 2025

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Cannabis in Arkansas

Trying to understand cannabis laws can be confusing. The rules are different in every state, and it’s hard to know what’s allowed and what’s not. If you live in Arkansas, you are probably looking for a simple guide that explains the rules for cannabis in Arkansas.

You have come to the right place. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the medical marijuana program in the state. We’ll cover who can get a card, what the laws are, and the exact steps you need to take.

At HealifyNow, our goal is to make this whole process as easy and clear as possible for you.

Let’s get right to the most important question. The answer depends on what you mean by “legal.”

For Medical Use: Yes. If you are a patient with a specific medical condition, then yes, medical cannabis is legal for you. You just need to register with the state and get a card.

For Recreational Use: No. It is important to know that using cannabis just for fun, or “recreationally,” is still illegal in Arkansas. This guide will only talk about the legal medical program.

Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Arkansas?

So, how do you know if you can get a medical cannabis card? The state has a clear list of rules. You have to have a certain medical condition and meet some basic requirements.

The Official List of Qualifying Medical Conditions

A doctor must confirm that you have one of the health conditions on the state’s official list. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • PTSD
  • Severe arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Intractable pain (this means pain that is very bad and has not gotten better with other treatments for more than six months)
  • And several other conditions.

Basic Patient Requirements You Must Meet

Besides having a qualifying condition, you also have to meet these simple requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old. Minors can sometimes qualify, but their parent or legal guardian must be their caregiver.
  • You must be a resident of Arkansas. You’ll need to prove this with something like an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID card.

How to Get Your Medical Card: A 3-Step Guide

Getting your card might seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually a simple, three-step process. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Get a Physician’s Written Certification

Before you can apply to the state, you need to get approval from a licensed Arkansas doctor. The doctor will talk with you about your health and confirm that you have a qualifying condition.

The easiest and fastest way to do this is online. You can now get your medical cannabis certification online using a telehealth service like HealifyNow. You can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

A Quick Note: You can get approved for your medical card online in minutes. Experience hassle-free access to the care you need at HealifyNowMMJCards! You can begin your application right now.

Step 2: Complete the Arkansas State Application

After you have your doctor’s approval, the next step is to apply to the Arkansas Department of Health. This is also done online. You will fill out a form with your information and pay the state’s application fee.

Step 3: Receive Your Card and Visit a Dispensary

Once the state approves your application, they will send you your official medical cannabis card in the mail. As soon as you have this card, you are a legal patient. You can then visit any licensed dispensary in Arkansas to purchase your medicine.

Understanding the Rules of Medical Cannabis in Arkansas

Getting your card is the first step. It’s also very important to understand the rules for using medical cannabis in Arkansas.

How Much Can You Buy?

The law is very clear on how much cannabis you can have. Registered patients are allowed to buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis from a dispensary every 14 days.

Where Can You Use It?

This is a very important safety and legal rule. You are only allowed to use your medical cannabis in a private home.

It is illegal to smoke or vape cannabis in any public place, like a park or a sidewalk. It is also illegal to use it in a car or when a person under 18 is around.

Can You Grow Your Own Cannabis?

The answer to this question is simple: No. The state of Arkansas does not allow patients or their caregivers to grow their own cannabis plants at home. You must buy all of your products from a licensed dispensary.

Exploring Your Options: Finding the Right Products

When you visit a dispensary for the first time, you will see that they have more than just cannabis flower to smoke. They also have things like edibles, oils (called tinctures), and creams (called topicals).

Once you have your card, the next step is to find out what works best for you. Learning about different cannabis strains and their effects can help you choose the right products to manage your specific health condition.

It’s important to know that your medical cannabis card is not good forever. It is only valid for one year.

To stay a legal patient, you must renew your card before it expires. This means you will need to get a new certification from a doctor and then apply to the state again. If you are an existing patient, you can easily manage your account through the patient portal to check on your card’s status and get ready for your renewal.

Let’s review the most important points. Medical cannabis in Arkansas is legal for patients who have certain health conditions. It is not legal for recreational use.

The process to get a card is simple. First, you see a doctor to get certified. Then, you apply to the state. Finally, you get your card and can visit a dispensary.

Navigating the rules doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right help, you can confidently and legally get the treatment that you need.

Dr. Bryan Green
Dr. Bryan Green
Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.
Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green

Author

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.

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