Arkansas Medical Marijuana Expansion Was Vetoed: What This Means for You

In a move that surprised patients and lawmakers alike, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders vetoed House Bill 1889, which aimed to expand access to medical marijuana for registered patients across the state. The bill, passed by both chambers of the Arkansas Legislature with modest majorities, would have allowed dispensaries to provide medical marijuana deliveries and drive-through options, offering patients more flexibility and convenience.

But the Governor had other plans. In her veto message, Sanders stated:

“The passage of this bill would have expanded access to usable marijuana, therefore I am vetoing this legislation.”

This decision has sparked backlash from patients, caregivers, and advocates who argue the bill did not increase the number of cardholders or the amount of marijuana allowed, but rather made it easier for qualified patients to obtain their medicine safely and efficiently.

What House Bill 1889 Proposed

Sponsored by Rep. Aaron Pilkington, House Bill 1889 was a straightforward proposal. The bill would have:

• Allowed medical marijuana dispensaries to deliver products directly to patients via delivery vehicles

• Permitted drive-through transactions at dispensaries, but only for patients who placed an online order earlier that day

That’s it. The bill did not change the existing 2.5-ounce limit within a 14-day period, nor did it allow new patients into the program. It simply offered more convenient and potentially safer access for Arkansans who already hold valid medical marijuana cards.

Rep. Pilkington called the Governor’s reasoning confusing and noted:

“This legislation doesn’t increase the number of cardholders, and it doesn’t increase the amount a cardholder can get.”

Unfortunately, the effort to override the veto appears to lack sufficient legislative support, leaving patients stuck with the current access restrictions.

Why This Matters for Arkansas Medical Marijuana Patients

For many Arkansas patients, especially those with mobility challenges, chronic pain, or compromised immune systems, the lack of delivery or drive-through options creates real barriers to care.

Here’s how patients are currently limited:

• All marijuana purchases must be made in person at one of the state's licensed dispensaries

• No home cultivation is allowed under Arkansas law

• Patients may purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, but must transport and store it themselves

This veto means that patients in rural areas or without reliable transportation still face significant challenges accessing the medicine they’re legally entitled to.

Why You Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

Despite the veto and lack of delivery options, medical marijuana remains the only legal way to access marijuana in Arkansas. Without a medical card, you risk criminal penalties, as the state has no recreational program. With a card, you can legally purchase from licensed dispensaries, access lab-tested products, and possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days. Your treatment is guided by a certified physician, ensuring safer and more effective use.

Holding a card also puts you in the best position to benefit from future changes, such as potential delivery options or telehealth renewals, should the state expand the program. With over 110,000 registered patients, Arkansas has a growing, regulated medical marijuana system despite its limitations.

Qualifying conditions include cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and more. If you’re wondering if your medical condition qualifies for medical marijuana, you can check out our list of qualifying conditions on our website, or you can set up a telemedicine appointment with one of licensed doctors and they can evaluate you over the phone.

Getting a card is simple: visit a certified doctor, get your recommendation, send your application through the Arkansas Department of Health, and start accessing your medicine legally and safely.

What’s Next for Arkansas Marijuana Policy?

While HB 1889’s veto is a setback, momentum continues to build for patient-centered marijuana policy in Arkansas. With rising public support and a growing number of registered patients, future proposals for expanded access, like telemedicine renewals, caregiver rules, or home delivery, are likely to resurface in upcoming sessions.

Until then, patients must continue to visit dispensaries in person and abide by all existing rules under the state’s medical marijuana program.

Your Health Shouldn’t Wait

Governor Sanders' veto of HB 1889 highlights how fragile marijuana progress can be, even in a state with an established medical program. For Arkansas residents who depend on marijuana for relief, this decision is more than a policy setback; it’s a daily reality that adds inconvenience and risk to their healthcare.

But you still have options. Getting your Arkansas medical marijuana card ensures you can legally and safely access the products you need, even as lawmakers debate how best to expand the program in the future. If you or a loved one are living with a qualifying condition, now is the time to act. Don’t let policy delays get in the way of your health.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

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  Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.