Facts to know about getting a medical marijuana card in Arkansas

When Arkansas legalized medical marijuana in 2016, many of the state’s residents celebrated.

However, just because marijuana is now legal in Arkansas doesn’t mean anyone can walk into a dispensary and buy it. Unlike some states that have fully legalized cannabis for recreational use, Arkansas still has strict rules around who can use it within the law.

In his article, we break down who is eligible for access to medical marijuana, how the process works, and what makes Arkansas different from other states. 

Who can legally get medical marijuana in arkansas?

In Arkansas, medical marijuana is not available to everyone. You’re only allowed a medical marijuana card if you have a qualifying health condition. These vary, but some of the most common include:

  • Chronic pain 
  • PTSD
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma 
  • Seizure disorders
  • Severe arthritis 

If you’re thinking about getting an Arkansas medical card, the first step is to check if your condition is on the full list, which is set by the Arkansas Department of Health. A doctor will need to certify you meet the requirements before you apply for your medical card. Without a qualifying medical condition, a doctor’s certification, and a medical card, you cannot legally buy or use marijuana in Arkansas. 

The application process

If your condition falls into the right category, here’s the five-step process you can follow to obtain your medical marijuana card:

  1. See a doctor: Visit a licensed physician in person or online.
  2. Get a written certification: This official document confirms that your condition meets state guidelines. 
  3. Apply online: Submit your application through the Arkansas Department of Health website.
  4. Wait for approval: If everything is as it should be, you’ll receive your card in a few weeks.
  5. Head to a dispensary: Purchase your medical marijuana from a state-approved location. 

Common misconceptions

While medical marijuana is no longer new, there’s still a lot of confusion about who can legally access it and how. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths. The first misconception is that anyone can get a card if they just ask their doctor. In reality, you must have a condition on the approved list. Even if your doctor thinks medical marijuana could be a good therapy, they cannot prescribe it unless you qualify.

Another myth is that once you have a card, you can buy weed anywhere. This isn’t true. You can only purchase from state-licensed dispensaries. Buying from any other source remains illegal. Finally, plenty of people assume that because marijuana is legalized in some form, marijuana in general is decriminalized.

However, cannabis is not a legal way to get your creative juices flowing in Arkansas. It’s important to remember that buying marijuana from a non-legitimate source or without a medical card is against the law and is punishable by fines and jail time. 

Only some people are eligible

Not everyone can get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas; only certain people are eligible, and the rules are strict. If you think you might qualify, check the list of conditions, and schedule an appointment with a doctor. Once you have all the right documentation in place, it’s time to apply.