Fall Back to Basics: Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana 101 Guide

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Whether you're considering medical marijuana for the first time or you've had an Arkansas medical marijuana card for years, it never hurts to revisit the basics.

Arkansas has an established medical marijuana program that allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries. But becoming a patient is only the beginning. Understanding THC and CBD, different marijuana products, Arkansas purchase limits, and the rules surrounding medical marijuana use can help you navigate the program with greater confidence.

Here's your Arkansas Medical Marijuana 101 refresher.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Marijuana comes from the marijuana plant and contains naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. Two of the best-known are THC and CBD.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is primarily responsible for marijuana's intoxicating effects. CBD, or cannabidiol, does not produce the same intoxicating effects.

The amount of THC and CBD varies considerably from one medical marijuana product to another. Arkansas product labels provide important information such as THC and CBD concentration, strain name, net weight, and other details.

Learning how to read these labels can help you better understand what you're purchasing at an Arkansas dispensary.

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Arkansas?

No. Arkansas has a medical marijuana program, but recreational marijuana is not legal in the state.

That means legal access to marijuana in Arkansas generally requires participation in the state's medical program. Qualifying patients must receive a physician certification, obtain an Arkansas medical marijuana card, and follow the rules established for registered patients.

Once approved, patients can purchase medical marijuana from licensed Arkansas dispensaries.

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas?

Arkansas recognizes a specific list of qualifying medical conditions.

These include conditions such as:

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Positive status for HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis C

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Tourette’s syndrome

• Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Severe arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Alzheimer’s disease

• A chronic or debilitating disease/medical condition/treatment that produces one or more of the following:

  • Cachexia, or wasting syndrome​

  • Intractable pain, or pain that has not responded to ordinary treatment or surgical methods for more than 6 months

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy

  • Severe nausea

  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Arkansas Board of Health

Patients must have a qualifying serious medical condition and receive certification from a marijuana doctor before applying through the state's medical marijuana program. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can give us a call. If you have an undiagnosed medical condition or do not have medical records documenting your condition, we also offer a $39 diagnosis consultation when appropriate. This consultation is designed to help determine whether you may have a qualifying condition. It is not required for patients who already have medical records verifying a qualifying condition or returning patients with an existing qualifying diagnosis. 

What Medical Marijuana Products Are Available in Arkansas?

One of the first things new patients notice when visiting an Arkansas dispensary is the number of different products available.

"Medical marijuana" doesn't refer to just one product. Marijuana can come in several forms with different cannabinoid concentrations, methods of use, onset times, and durations.

Marijuana Flower

Flower is the dried portion of the marijuana plant and is one of the most recognizable forms of marijuana.

Arkansas dispensaries can carry different strains with varying THC and CBD concentrations. Product labels provide cannabinoid information that can help patients compare their options.

Arkansas does permit smoking medical marijuana for qualifying adults, but there are significant restrictions on where it can be smoked. Patients under 21 may not smoke marijuana for medical use.

Vape Products

Vaporized marijuana provides another inhaled option. Arkansas dispensaries are required to make marijuana vaporizers available and provide patients with educational information about methods of ingestion.

Vape products can differ considerably in potency and formulation, so check the label and make sure you have any compatible equipment required for the product.

Edibles and Oral Products

Some marijuana products are designed to be consumed orally.

Because marijuana taken orally must pass through the digestive system, effects generally do not occur as quickly as they do with inhaled marijuana. That makes it especially important to follow product directions and avoid taking more simply because you don't notice an immediate effect.

Arkansas also places restrictions on marijuana products that closely resemble certain commercially available foods attractive to minors.

Concentrates and Extracts

Arkansas dispensaries may also carry marijuana concentrates and extracts.

These products can contain higher concentrations of cannabinoids than some other forms of marijuana. Patients should pay close attention to potency and serving information rather than assuming that the same amount of two different products will produce comparable effects.

Tinctures and Oils

Tinctures and marijuana oils provide an alternative for patients who don't want to inhale marijuana.

Liquid products can make it easier to measure the amount being used. However, formulations and cannabinoid concentrations vary, so always check the individual product label.

Topical Products

Topical marijuana products are applied to the skin rather than inhaled or consumed orally.

Depending on dispensary inventory, patients may encounter products such as creams, balms, or lotions. Ask dispensary staff about a product's ingredients, cannabinoid content, and intended method of use before purchasing it.

If you have questions about a product or aren't sure what to look for, you can also ask dispensary staff, reach out to our team, or explore our medical marijuana blogs for additional information and guidance.

How Much Medical Marijuana Can You Buy in Arkansas?

Arkansas limits how much usable medical marijuana a patient can obtain.

A qualifying patient generally may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana during a 14-day period.

Arkansas dispensaries use the state's tracking system to verify that a purchase will not cause a patient to exceed the applicable limit.

If you're unsure how much of your allotment remains, check before making a larger dispensary purchase.

Start Low and Learn How Different Products Affect You

New medical marijuana patients shouldn't assume that a higher THC percentage automatically means a better product.

Marijuana affects individuals differently. Product format, THC and CBD concentration, amount consumed, and method of administration can all influence the experience.

Follow the product label and guidance from your marijuana doctor. It can also be useful to track the product you use, amount, THC and CBD content, onset time, duration, and effects.

Over time, this information can help you better understand your individual response to different products.

How to Get an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card

Getting an Arkansas medical marijuana card starts with determining whether you have a qualifying medical condition.

You'll need a written certification from a physician who has reviewed your medical history and current medical condition and established the required physician-patient relationship.

After receiving your physician certification, you can submit your application to the state.

Arkansas currently charges a $50 patient application fee, and the physician's written certification must have been provided within 30 days before submitting the application.

Once your registration is approved and your card is active, you can purchase medical marijuana from licensed Arkansas dispensaries.

Do Arkansas Medical Marijuana Cards Expire?

Marijuana cards must be renewed annually to maintain uninterrupted access to medical marijuana in Arkansas. At Arkansas Marijuana Card, we make the renewal process simple and convenient with secure telemedicine appointments, allowing patients to complete their evaluation from the comfort of home. Our experienced marijuana doctors review your medical history, discuss how medical marijuana is working for your condition, and answer any questions you may have about your treatment plan. Once approved, we guide you through the next steps so you can submit your renewal application with confidence. By renewing on time, patients can continue accessing the products they rely on without unnecessary delays or lapses in their certification.

Arkansas Medical Marijuana 101: What to Remember

Arkansas' medical marijuana program gives qualifying patients legal access to regulated marijuana products, but patients are responsible for understanding the program's rules.

Remember that recreational marijuana remains illegal in Arkansas, medical marijuana requires a qualifying condition and active patient registration, and patients generally may purchase no more than 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana during a 14-day period.

Different products can also contain dramatically different amounts of THC and CBD, so read product labels and don't choose a product based solely on its name or THC percentage.

Renew 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’s 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 doctors 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.

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