The complete guide to cannabis in Little Rock

The ever-changing legal landscape of cannabis in Arkansas can leave Little Rock residents wondering what they can actually purchase, and where. While adult-use cannabis is illegal, qualified medical patients can take advantage of the state’s medical marijuana program to access the products they need for relief.

Still, restrictions apply, and Little Rock medical cannabis users need to know what they can and can’t do in order to comply with the law while addressing their health-related needs.

Key takeaways

• Legal age: You must be at least 18 years old and be diagnosed with a qualifying condition to purchase medical cannabis
• Purchase limits: Patients can legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days
• Consumption rules: It’s illegal to smoke cannabis in public, even with a medical card. But, you’re free to enjoy your cannabis in the comfort of your own home
• Approved dispensaries: It’s important to purchase cannabis only from licensed dispensaries, to avoid products that are unsafe or ineffective

Arkansas cannabis laws

Arkansas has not legalized adult-use cannabis. For the time-being, only qualified medical patients may purchase cannabis legally.

In November of 2016, Arkansas residents voted in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, following a failed initiative in 2012. The amendment was refined in 2017, allowing patients to begin applying for cards through the state’s Department of Health. The first medical dispensary opened in Arkansas in 2019.

In order for Little Rock patients to purchase, possess, and use cannabis, they must first be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions determined by the state’s Department of Health. From there, they must get a recommendation for medical marijuana from their healthcare provider. With their recommendation, they may apply for a medical marijuana card through Arkansas’ Medical Marijuana Program, for a small fee. Once they are approved, they will be sent a physical card that can be used at any licensed dispensary in the state.

Qualifying patients in Little Rock, and all of Arkansas, may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days. Besides cannabis flower, patients may purchase vapes, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, liquid shots, and topicals.

Patients may smoke cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is permitted, but may not smoke near a person below the age of 14, near someone who is pregnant, nor someone who is not a patient and may be impaired by inhaling cannabis smoke. Patients may not smoke in a vehicle, aircraft, or motorized watercraft.

Arkansas patients may not grow cannabis, as home cultivation is strictly illegal.

An employer cannot discriminate against a medical marijuana card holder. Additionally, employers cannot fire an employee who has a medical marijuana card if they test positive for marijuana use, unless they were under the influence during work hours.

Private landlords cannot discriminate against medical marijuana card holders, either. They also cannot forbid cannabis possession on their property. They are allowed to restrict the smoking of cannabis on their property, but they may not forbid consumption of non-inhalable products, like edibles or tinctures.

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How to get a medical card in Little Rock

Obtaining a medical cannabis card in Little Rock requires just a few simple steps.

Finding a doctor

The first step is finding a licensed physician in your area who can recommend medical marijuana. There are physicians in Little Rock that you can find online, who are able to provide a physical evaluation, diagnose qualifying conditions, and fill out the appropriate recommendation paperwork.

To apply for a medical marijuana card, you must have been diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying conditions, and received a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis. You also must be 18 or older, although caregivers may apply on behalf of a minor with a qualifying condition.

In the event that you can’t find a suitable physician who provides medical marijuana recommendations, you can opt for a telehealth service like Leafwell, and speak directly with a physician who can make a recommendation. The state of Arkansas recognizes the recommendations of licensed telehealth doctors, and allows patients to use these services to apply for a medical card online, as well.

Once you have a doctor’s recommendation, you can apply online through the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program website. In addition to a recommendation, you must provide a state-issued photo ID, and pay the application fee. It takes approximately 14 days after the state receives your application to receive your card in the mail.

Currently, the state of Arkansas forbids members of the Arkansas National Guard and U.S. military from receiving a medical marijuana card.

Qualifying conditions

In order to be approved for a medical marijuana card, a licensed physician must diagnose you with at least one of the medical conditions below:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Arthritis (severe)
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Intractable pain which is pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment, or surgical measures for more than six months
• Nausea (severe)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
• Tourette syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
• Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Health

Can an out-of-state medical marijuana patient qualify for medical cannabis in Little Rock?

Yes, it’s possible for a patient from another state to qualify for medical cannabis in Little Rock, if their qualifying condition is listed under Arkansas’ medical marijuana program. To apply, a patient must complete a visiting patient application. If approved, a visiting patient may purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas for a 90-day period, per application.

Benefits of getting a medical card in Little Rock

As recreational marijuana is strictly prohibited throughout Little Rock, having a medical marijuana card is the only legal way to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis products. Having a medical card also offers legal protection for those who travel with or consume cannabis in public.

The penalty for possessing up to four ounces of cannabis without a medical card is up to one year in prison, plus possible fines, for first-time offenders. Repeat offenses are considered felonies in Arkansas, with penalties dependent on the amount of marijuana in the offender’s possession.

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Little Rock

There’s a growing number of dispensaries throughout Little Rock. These are some of the most popular:

• Green Light Dispensary

7303 Kanis Rd.

• Good Day Farm

11600 Chenal Pkwy

As the cannabis industry is growing in Arkansas, here are some of our favorite cultivators and producers:

• Bold Cultivation
• Delta Cannabis Co.
• Natural State Medicinals

Where to consume cannabis in Little Rock

In Little Rock, it’s legal to consume cannabis in private residences, including your home, or someone else’s home (as long as you have their permission). For renters, your landlord can decide whether or not you may smoke cannabis on their property, although other forms of consumption are allowed. Check your lease agreement, as there may be a section about smoking cannabis as a medical marijuana patient.

While patients are free to eat their gummies and take their tinctures in public, smoking and vaping is prohibited in public indoor spaces, on school premises, and all other areas where smoking and vaping are generally banned.

When traveling with your cannabis, make sure to keep it in a tamper-proof container, and store it out of reach (like keeping it in the glove compartment of your car while driving). Otherwise, you could have to pay a fine should you get pulled over. It’s also best to have your Arkansas marijuana card on your person at all times.

Tips for buying cannabis in Little Rock

• Purchase from licensed dispensaries: Only buy your medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary. Avoid unlicensed businesses and black-market vendors. Buying outside of a licensed dispensary is against Arkansas law, and can leave you with unsafe, untested products.
• Learn about different products: While cannabis flower is the most popular product type, there are others that may be more suitable to your needs. Explore edibles, tinctures, topicals, concentrates, and other product types, which have different onset times, duration of effects, and potency levels.
• Seek out expert advice: If you’re a medical cannabis beginner or have questions, never hesitate to talk to a cannabis expert at your local dispensary, or set up a telehealth appointment through an online medical marijuana service like Leafwell. This way, you can develop the best treatment option for your personalized needs.
• Compare prices: It’s wise to compare prices of products between dispensaries, to avoid overpaying for products that aren’t necessarily superior. This also allows you to take advantage of deals, while still getting high-quality products
• Check up on local laws: Cannabis laws in Little Rock and Arkansas can change, so it’s important to stay up to date. This applies to both medical and recreational cannabis.
• Bring your documentation: Don’t forget to bring your medical cannabis card with you when you go to a dispensary, as you cannot make purchases without one.

There are a number of cannabis conventions, expositions, and other cannabis-related events that take place in Little Rock throughout the year. You can check the calendar on Arkansascannabis.org to stay up to date with events happening in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy recreational marijuana in Little Rock?

No. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Little Rock, and the rest of Arkansas. You can only legally purchase marijuana with a medical card at a licensed dispensary.

Are there medical marijuana dispensaries in Little Rock?

Yes. There are a few dispensaries in Little Rock and the surrounding areas for medical marijuana patients. These dispensaries require that patients bring their medical marijuana cards in order to make purchases.

Can I use my out-of-state card in Little Rock?

Maybe. Medical marijuana patients may be able to use their out-of-state medical card at a Little Rock dispensary if they have a qualifying condition according to Arkansas’ Department of Health.

Where can I find a medical marijuana doctor in Little Rock?

Technically, there’s no such thing as a “medical marijuana doctor.” A “medical marijuana doctor” may refer to a licensed physician who can recommend marijuana. There are also telehealth services like Leafwell that specialize in connecting patients to physicians that can make medical cannabis recommendations.

If you’re seeking out a physician to obtain a card in Little Rock, you can search “medical marijuana doctor in Little Rock” online and find a list of local doctors nearby.

Get your medical card in Little Rock

Get approved or your money back.

• 

  Larger purchase limits

• 

  Access to higher potency strains

• 

  Save up to 40% on product taxes

• 

  Enhanced legal protection

Select State

Apply now