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The latest polls show that the majority of Americans now support legalizing marijuana. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 68% of US adults believe marijuana should be legal, including 49% who back legalizing it for recreational use. This represents a massive shift from just a decade ago when support for legalization hovered around 35%.
As public attitudes evolve, more and more states are embracing marijuana reforms. Currently, 21 states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use, while 37 states, including Arkansas, have comprehensive medical marijuana programs. It's clear the momentum is on the side of legalization.
Arkansas' Medical Marijuana Program
On November 8, 2016, Arkansas voters approved Issue 6, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, with 53% voting in favor. This initiated the creation of a statewide medical marijuana program and regulatory system.
However, getting the program up and running took several years. It wasn't until May 2019 that the first dispensaries opened their doors to serve the state's qualifying patients. As of early 2023, there are 38 licensed dispensaries supplying over 92,000 active patient cardholders across Arkansas.
For Arkansas residents suffering from one of the 18 qualified medical conditions, obtaining a medical marijuana card opens up legal access to marijuana products that can provide significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. Some key benefits include:
Legal Protection: With an Arkansas medical marijuana card, patients can legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days from a licensed dispensary. This protects them from criminal penalties for possession.
Access to Medical Expertise: Medical marijuana doctors receive specialized training to evaluate patients' conditions and provide guidance on safe, therapeutic marijuana use.
More Marijuana Options: Medical dispensaries typically carry a wider selection of products beyond just dried flower, such as oils, edibles, concentrates and topicals formulated for specific needs.
Tax Savings: Arkansas taxes medical marijuana purchases at only 6.5%, significantly less than the 15% tax on recreational marijuana in legal states.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Scientific research continues to reveal the therapeutic potential of marijuana and its compounds like THC and CBD. Some conditions that may be helped by medical marijuana include:
Chronic pain
Epilepsy and seizures
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn's disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Cancer and chemotherapy side effects
Beyond providing relief for patients, Arkansas' medical marijuana program is also an economic driver, generating millions in sales and tax revenue each year. The industry supports jobs ranging from cultivation and processing to dispensary operations.
As of early 2023, Arkansas' medical marijuana sales surpassed $340 million. That revenue helped fund important state services like youth education and drug abuse prevention programs.
The Future of Marijuana in Arkansas
While Arkansas has made strides in establishing a functional medical marijuana market, advocates argue the program still has room for improvement. Allowing more qualifying conditions, increasing the possession limit, and adding legal protections for patients are some reforms they are pursuing.
There have also been calls for Arkansas to join the growing list of states that have legalized marijuana for all adults. However, despite majority public support nationally, recent efforts to get an adult-use initiative on the ballot have stalled.
Whether through an expanded medical program or eventual recreational legalization, it's clear most Arkansans and Americans in general believe prohibiting a plant with documented therapeutic benefits no longer makes sense. As the stigma fades, further marijuana policy reforms seem inevitable, even if the path remains politically challenging for now.
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!
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.