Arkansas Medical Marijuana Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Qualify For An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
The Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”) has approved a number of qualifying conditions that will allow patients to access medical marijuana in Arkansas. The qualifying conditions identified by the ADH include a number of chronic or debilitating conditions.
Why Get An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
An Arkansas medical marijuana card shows that your name has been added to the Arkansas medical marijuana registry by a licensed Arkansas physician. With this card, you can:
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Buy marijuana from dispensaries in the state of Arkansas
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Possess marijuana and marijuana products in the state of Arkansas
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Consume marijuana and marijuana products in the state of Arkansas
An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card is a personal identification card that shows the patient is a legal Arkansas registered medical marijuana patient.
How Do I Get An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
To obtain your Arkansas marijuana card, you need to have an Arkansas medical marijuana doctor confirm that you suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions and recommend medical marijuana to you. Our staff at Arkansas Marijuana Card is here to simplify the process, connecting you with a certified doctor and filing all your necessary paperwork!
You must visit a state-licensed physician (not a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) to obtain a physician certification, and you can find certified medical marijuana doctors right here at Arkansas Marijuana Card! You will then apply for an identification card from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Our team specializes in helping patients across the state of Arkansas obtain their medical marijuana cards. At our current clinic locations, our doctors are here to help you through the process. Give us a call, or send us a message, if you’d like to find out more information about how you can get your medical marijuana card in Arkansas.
Am I Guaranteed To Get Approved For Medical Marijuana After Visiting An Arkansas Marijuana Card Office?
We can’t guarantee approval for anyone, as the doctor is the only person that makes the determination whether or not a patient qualifies. To make it more likely that you receive approval from the doctor, we recommend that you bring as much information as possible to your appointment regarding your medical condition and past treatments.
What Medical Conditions Qualify For Medical Marijuana In Arkansas?
To receive a medical marijuana card in Arkansas, you have to be diagnosed by a licensed AR physician with one of the qualifying conditions in Arkansas.
The following is a list of the current qualifying conditions:
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A chronic or debilitating disease/medical condition/treatment that produces one or more of the following:
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Intractable pain, or pain that has not responded to ordinary treatment or surgical methods for more than six (6) months
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Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Arkansas Board of Health
When Can I Apply For An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
Application forms and application instructions are currently digitally available through the Arkansas Department of Health.
When Will I Receive My Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
Within 30 days of application, if your application is approved.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
Some doctors charge an exorbitant amount of money just for an initial examination. We feel strongly that if you qualify for medical marijuana in Arkansas, you shouldn't have trouble accessing it due to cost. As such, we offer a variety of payment methods, including monthly payment plan options and discounts for veterans, as well as referral discounts to those who spread the word about our services. After the first appointment, any required follow-ups are free for 12 months.
If Something Happens To My Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Can I Get Another And Is There A Fee To Replace The Card?
You first will need to complete a change of address/lost card form. Submit the form to the Arkansas Department of Health and a replacement card will be issued. There may be a delay in receiving a replacement card as replacement cards will be processed after all new applicants have been processed and issued cards.
If the application was submitted online, in the future a function will be added to allow you to print a replacement card using your AMMsys account. The online print is not yet available but will be in the future.
I Received My Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card But There Is Incorrect Information, What Do I Do?
If the application was completed online you may complete the change form and submit. If you completed a paper application, complete the change form and mail to the Arkansas Department of Health. A corrected replacement card will be sent as soon as possible. Once a replacement card is issued, the prior card is no longer valid.
If My Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Expired And I Didn't Submit My Renewal Application Before The Deadline, Am I Still Eligible To Purchase Medical Marijuana?
Unfortunately, no. When your card expires, the legal protection offered by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act is expired. You may still submit your renewal application.
Where Can I Purchase Medical Marijuana In Arkansas?
Once you have obtained a recommendation from a certified doctor and received your Arkansas medical marijuana card, you'll be able to purchase Medical Marijuana at any of the 33 licensed dispensaries located throughout the state of Arkansas.
Do I Have To Buy Medical Marijuana From An Arkansas Dispensary?
Yes. To be protected under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, your marijuana must be labeled from one of the Arkansas dispensaries.
Can I Grow My Own Marijuana In Arkansas?
No. Qualifying registered patients and their designated caregivers cannot grow or cultivate medical marijuana. Marijuana-infused products must be purchased through the Arkansas medical marijuana dispensaries.
Where Are The Dispensaries In Arkansas Located?
There will be a total of 33 dispensaries to start with, the possibility for more facilities to be approved in the future. For a detailed look at where to find your nearest dispensary, visit our dispensary location master list.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Purchase From An Arkansas Dispensary?
Qualified registered patients are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces from a dispensary every 14 days.
Will My Insurance Or Medicaid Cover Medical Marijuana In Arkansas?
We encourage you to contact your insurance provider or Medicaid official for an answer; however, we are not aware of any insurance providers that cover the costs of Medical Marijuana at present.
How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost In Arkansas?
The cost of Medical Marijuana will be set by each dispensary. At this point, it isn’t clear what those prices will be exactly. As more dispensaries open, we hope that the competition will keep prices low and affordable.
Are Medical Marijuana Cards From Other State Medical Marijuana Programs Valid In Arkansas?
A visiting qualifying patient may obtain marijuana from a dispensary with completion of a visiting patient form and producing evidence of his or her registry identification card or its equivalent that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States.
What Is A Designed Caregiver?
A 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. 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. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.
How Do I Apply To Be A Medical Marijuana Caregiver In Arkansas?
Complete the designated caregiver application at the Arkansas Department of Health.
Can Minors (Under The Age Of 18) Apply For Medical Marijuana In Arkansas?
Yes. Qualified patients under 18 years of age cannot purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary. The legal guardian or parent is required to register as a caregiver to buy medical marijuana for a minor.
Can A Caregiver Have More Than One Patient?
Yes. A caregiver may serve more than one patient. A caregiver must apply for a registry card for each patient and pay $25 for each registry card.
Can A Caregiver Also Be A Medical Marijuana Patient In Arkansas?
Yes. A caregiver may be a registered qualifying patient.
Can My Employer Still Drug Test Me If I Get An Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, they can. Arkansas does not provide protection to medical marijuana patients from employee drug testing. It will be left to the discretion of each employer whether they wish to recognize an employee's medical marijuana approval as an exemption to company drug testing policies. However, employers are prohibited from discriminating against an individual in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment based on an individual’s past or present status as a caregiver or a qualifying patient.
Is My Personal Information Kept Private?
The privacy of our patients is a top priority of ours, so we make sure all patient information is kept confidential in our HIPAA compliant file storage system.