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Arkansas has reached a significant milestone in its medical marijuana program, with over 100,000 active patient cards issued by the state Department of Health. This marks a new era of access and legitimacy for marijuana as a therapeutic option in the Natural State.
When Arkansas voters approved the Medical Marijuana Amendment in 2016, it paved the way for thousands of residents to find relief through marijuana. Six years later, over 100,000 Arkansans now possess medical cards, illustrating how widely embraced and successful the program has become.
According to Robert deBin, president of the Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association, this spike in participation stems from greater public education around medical marijuana's benefits and the process for obtaining a card. As more people learn about its potential to treat chronic pain, cancer symptoms, PTSD, and other qualifying conditions, interest continues growing.
For many patients, medical marijuana represents a safer alternative to addictive pharmaceutical drugs like opioids. With overdoses on the rise, marijuana provides a much-needed option for responsive and responsible pain management without the risk of deadly respiratory depression.
The Growing Embrace of Medical Marijuana
While the current medical program has been transformative for tens of thousands of Arkansans, advocates believe there is still room for improvement. The proposed 2024 Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment seeks to knock down unnecessary barriers and expand access further.
If passed, the amendment would broaden telehealth options, extend medical card durations from one to three years, and enable additional healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners to certify patients. Qualifying conditions would also be expanded, and home cultivation would become legal for personal use.
Over 90,000 signatures from registered voters must be collected by early July to put the new amendment on November's ballot. If successful, it would represent a major milestone in ensuring all patients who need medical marijuana can access it through Arkansas' regulated program.
Why Getting a Medical Card Is the Right Choice
For those suffering from qualifying medical issues, obtaining an Arkansas medical marijuana card provides the surest path to safe, legal access of marijuana therapeutics. Through the state's licensed dispensaries, cardholders can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every two weeks in various product forms like oils, edibles, flower, and more.
While the amendment could further open up the program, only those with state-issued cards can currently purchase and possess medical marijuana in Arkansas without risking criminal penalties. Getting a card helps fund the program's regulations, oversight, and product testing.
Additionally, medical marijuana provides welcome relief without the psychoactive "high" associated with recreational marijuana due to its minimal THC levels. For patients simply seeking therapeutic benefits, Arkansas' tightly controlled medical program offers the ideal solution.
With 100,000 active cards, participation has skyrocketed as more find the courage to explore medical marijuana. As the program continues evolving, this milestone represents a profound shift toward accepting marijuana as a legitimate medicine in Arkansas.
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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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.
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