Find a Doctor & Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Arkansas
Is cannabis legal in Arkansas?
On November 8, 2016, Arkansas voters approved Issue 6, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, to legalize the medical use of cannabis, and passed by a vote of 53%–47% as an amendment to the state constitution.
The amendment permits medical marijuana patients who obtain a doctor’s recommendation to possess up to 2+1⁄2 ounces (71 g) of cannabis for treatment of any of 12 qualifying medical conditions. It permits a limited number of cannabis dispensaries and cultivators to be licensed by the state; however, it does not allow patients to cultivate their own medical marijuana at home.
Recreational cannabis is not legal in the state of Arkansas; therefore, the only way to legally obtain cannabis in the state is by getting a marijuana card from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Who qualifies for an Arkansas medical marijuana card?
To qualify for the medical marijuana program in Arkansas, patients must meet one of the following qualifying conditions:
- 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
- and any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Health
How do I get a medical cannabis card in Arkansas?
The following are required to register and begin the application process:
- The patient registry application form.
- The completed Physician Written Certification, which can be completed by booking an appointment with a medical provider from Compassionate Clinics of America. No need to visit a doctor’s office — all appointments are made through telemedicine. Contact us today.
- Photocopy of the front of your state-issued driver’s license or state ID on a full sheet of paper.
- The nonrefundable application fees that you pay online
What are the benefits of having a medical cannabis card in Arkansas?
Since recreational cannabis is not legal in the state, the only way to legally purchase and consume cannabis within the state is through the medical marijuana program that is laid out in the Arkansas medical marijuana amendment.
The amendment permits medical marijuana patients who have a physician/doctor recommendation to possess up to 2+1⁄2 ounces (71 g) of cannabis for treatment of any of 12 qualifying medical conditions.
It is not legal to engage in the cultivation of cannabis in the state of Arkansas, unless licensed by the state.
How much does it cost to get a medical cannabis card in Arkansas?
The cost for a 1 year medical marijuana card in Arkansas is $50 + 2.25%. For those on SSDI, who are Veterans, etc, state application fees are reduced by 50%.
The cost to see a medical marijuana doctor with Compassionate Clinics of America is $129 for a new patient, and $100 for a renewal. We want to ensure it is affordable for you to have your medicine. We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments. Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do I need a doctor’s certification to get a medical card?
Yes, in order to qualify for a medical marijuana card and purchase cannabis from a dispensary, one must have a certification from a doctor, and a completed Physician Written Certification form.
The medical provider must be a Doctor of Medicine or osteopathy licensed in the state of Arkansas, have a controlled substances license on file with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), be in good standing to practice medicine in Arkansas, and have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the patient they are certifying for medical cannabis.
Compassionate Clinics of America offers telemedicine appointments and access to qualified doctors for new and renewing patient certification, offering compassionate care from the safety of one’s own home. Contact us now.
What information and forms are required when a patient applies for a Medical Marijuana registry ID card?
To apply for a medical marijuana registry ID card, patients must provide the following:
- The patient registry application form
- The completed physical certification form verifying you are living with a qualifying condition, which can be completed by booking an appointment with a physician registered to practice medicine in Arkansas
- Photocopy of the front of your Arkansas-issued driver’s license or state ID on a full sheet of paper.
- The nonrefundable application fees
You do not require any additional certification, medical records, or health forms than those listed above to participate in the state medical marijuana program.
How long is my ID card valid in Arkansas?
A medical cannabis card within Arkansas is valid for a period of one-year, and you will need a new doctor certification to renew.
When can I renew my ID card?
You can renew your card up to 60 days prior to your card’s expiration date. You will need a new certification from a physician that you live with one or more of the qualifying conditions to get a renewal and participate in the medical marijuana program in Arkansas.
Remember that the application process can take up to 14 days, so be sure to start early to ensure there isn’t a gap in your participation in the Arkansas medical marijuana program.
I live in another state, can I apply?
Visiting patients cards are issued for 90 days. To apply as a visiting out-of-state patient, you must have a medical marijuana card or equivalent from another state.
In addition, the qualifying medical condition(s) for which you were approved in another state must also be a condition(s) approved in Arkansas. Patients visiting from other states can submit an online application here. The non-refundable application processing fee is $50.
Application processing time is up to 14 days after you submit your application and payment, so be sure to leave enough time before you travel to Arkansas to get your card.
After your application is reviewed, you will receive an e-mail alerting you to log back in and print your card. This card will be required for obtaining medical marijuana from dispensaries in the state.
Are registry identification cards from other state medical marijuana programs valid in Arkansas?
A visiting qualifying patient may purchase cannabis from a dispensary with approval as a visiting patient, but must be done after completing the the visiting patient application here.
A visiting patient application is $50.00 (non-refundable) and can take up to 14 days after application and payment to process. If approved, a visiting patient may purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas for a 90-day period, per application.
Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Arkansas?
No, it is not permitted to use cannabis in anywhere in Arkansas, even with a written certification and Arkansas medical marijuana card.
Using medical cannabis is prohibited in a school bus, on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school, in any correctional facility, in any motor vehicle, in a private residence used at any time to provide licensed childcare or other similar social service care on the premises and in any public place where an individual could reasonably be expected to be observed by others.
A public place includes all parts of buildings owned in a whole or in part, or leased, by the state or local unit of government.
People may consume within a private residence, unless the private residence is used to provide licensed childcare, foster care, or other similar social service care on the premises.
Using medical marijuana is also prohibited in a health care facility or any other place where smoking is prohibited and knowingly in close physical proximity to anyone under the age of 18.
How long does it take to process my application?
Processing time for new Arkansas medical marijuana applications and renewals may take up to 14 days to process your renewal from the date the Department of Health receive your application and payment.
Incomplete applications or applications with errors will be returned and will take longer.
Will I be given a temporary card while my application is being processed?
The Arkansas Department of Health does not issue temporary medical marijuana cards. Patients who apply online can print a copy of their cards after their applications are reviewed and approved.
Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?
One of the most unique aspects of how Compassionate Clinics of America provides medical cannabis certifications is by using telehealth to ease the anxiety of visiting the doctor’s office and to make the process easy to complete from the comfort of your own home.
Patients tell us that the process is easy and efficient and that they have thorough conversations with physicians when providing them the medical cannabis certification.
All the benefits of visiting the doctor’s office, without the trip, stress, or hassle.
When does the physician certification expire?
When you get a physician certification from Compassionate Clinics of America, it is good for a period of one year in Arkansas. Renewals are offered at a discounted rate.
I’ve heard I can renew my medical cannabis card in Arkansas for $20. Where can I renew my medical cannabis card in Arkansas for $20?
You may have incorrectly heard that you can renew your medical cannabis card in Arkansas for just $20. However, please note that there are no providers offering card renewals at this rate. At Compassionate Clinics of America, we are with you through every step of the renewal process. The cost to renew your medical cannabis card in Arkansas is $100 and you receive 100% of your money back if you are not approved.
Am I able to own a gun in Arkansas if I use medical cannabis?
In Arkansas, where a significant 57.2% of the population are gun owners, questions surrounding gun ownership for prospective medical cannabis patients have arisen. The straightforward answer is that if you possess a medical cannabis card, you are not permitted to purchase firearms from federally-licensed gun dealers or any other firearm sales sources. However, the law does not require you to relinquish any firearms you currently own. Given that cannabis remains federally illegal, even legal experts and legislators recommend adhering to federal law, emphasizing that it would be safer to consider acquiring firearms once marijuana is officially legalized at the federal level.
David Couch, a Little Rock attorney and advocate for public policy, points out that under current regulations, Arkansas medical cannabis cardholders could potentially be in violation of the law if they attempt to purchase a firearm, presenting a complex legal challenge for those in this situation. With the state’s stance on this issue remaining unclear, individuals holding a medical cannabis card are advised not to carry firearms to avoid any potential legal complications.
Can I be a designated caregiver in the state of Arkansas?
An Arkansas designated caregiver is a person who is 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.
Caregivers must apply for a registry card, and can do so by completing the the designated caregiver application here. 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, including for minors.
It is illegal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.
A criminal background check is required for most caregiver applicants; however, parents applying to be caregivers for their own children do not have complete a criminal background check.
Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Arkansas?
Feel free to connect with us anytime at (888) 611-4820 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions about the medical cannabis program in Arkansas can be found here:
