If you live in Arkansas and struggle with a specific medical condition, you might be a suitable candidate for the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program. With an Arkansas medical marijuana card, you can lawfully buy and consume marijuana to alleviate symptoms related to qualifying health conditions.
Step 1: Understand the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas
The initial step towards getting your medical marijuana card in Arkansas is identifying whether your medical condition qualifies. You may be suitable for medical marijuana treatment if you’re diagnosed with any of the following qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Arkansas:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Severe arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Intractable pain which is pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment, or surgical measures for more than six (6) months
- Severe nausea
- Seizures including without limitation those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms including without limitation those characteristic of multiple sclerosis and any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Health
Step 2: Obtain Your Medical Marijuana Patient Certification
If you’re suffering from one or more of the qualifying conditions, the next step involves getting a recommendation from a physician for medical marijuana treatment. Your healthcare provider or physician should fill out a written certification form, validating that you have a qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana could potentially alleviate your symptoms.
Additional requirements for obtaining an Arkansas Medical Card include:
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You need to be 18 or older, OR a minor accompanied by a parent or guardian who may apply as a caregiver.
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A legal Arkansas resident with proof of residency.
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Must not be a member of the Arkansas National Guard or the United States Military.
Step 3: Apply for an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
After acquiring your doctor’s certification, you can proceed with applying for a medical marijuana card online through the Arkansas Department of Health. The required documentation includes:
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Arkansas State ID (Arkansas driver’s license or Arkansas state ID issued by DMV)
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Physician Written Certification (ADH form)
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Non-refundable payment for the $50 application fee (Debit or Credit Card Payment)
Follow the steps in the online portal to complete your application. Be ready with your SSN and scanned copies of your state ID and Physician’s Written Certification. Approval can take up to 14 days. If you are approved, you will be able to print your card in the online portal. You can expect a hard copy of your MMJ card to be delivered by mail within 30 days.
Step 4: Visit Your Local Medical Dispensary
Once your registry card (either printed or hard copy) is in your hands, you’re allowed to visit Enlightened dispensaries or any licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Arkansas to shop for medical marijuana. Remember to bring your Medical Marijuana ID card and your state-issued ID during your visit.
The Benefits of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Being a registered medical marijuana patient in Arkansas brings several benefits. Primarily, since recreational use in Arkansas is still illegal, the card grants you the legal right to buy and consume marijuana. This allows you to alleviate symptoms of qualifying conditions.
Your status as a qualified patient also grants protection from certain forms of discrimination. Finally, because recreational marijuana is not legal, this is the only way to legally consume cannabis products in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Laws
Please note that while medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas for qualified patients, there are still limitations on its usage. For instance, in order to be protected by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, your cannabis must be labeled and purchased from a licensed dispensary. In addition, smoking marijuana in public is illegal. It’s also illegal to consume marijuana and operate a vehicle of any kind.
Always stay updated with the current laws and regulations regarding marijuana in Arkansas to ensure you’re aware of your rights and responsibilities as a registered medical marijuana patient.
Is Getting an Arkansas Medical Card Worth It?
Getting your medical marijuana card in Arkansas is an easy and straightforward process compared to other states. It is also relatively affordable.
For those patients struggling with qualifying medical conditions, it can be worthwhile because registered medical marijuana patients in Arkansas can access a variety of cannabis products to help alleviate health symptoms and are legally protected by state law.
If you’re unclear about how to apply for medical marijuana in Arkansas or the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Arkansas Department of Health:
Phone: 1-833-214-8619 or 501-682-4982
Email: [email protected]
Sources:
Arkansas Department of Health – Medical Marijuana Section
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment (AMMA) Administrative Implementation
Arkansas Legislature – Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016.
