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Cannabis Laws in Arkansas Cannabis Laws

Cannabis is legal for medical use but illegal for recreational use in Arkansas. Many states with medical marijuana programs tend to at least loosen some of the restrictions if not decriminalize cannabis for non-medical users, but unfortunately this is not the case in Arkansas, where heavy punishments can be given for possession of anything up to 4 ounces (oz.) of cannabis, and far more severe punishments for amounts greater than this. First-time possession of up to four ounces (110 g) is punished with a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to a year, and a mandatory six month driver's license suspension. This makes Arkansas one of the more strict medical cannabis states.

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Medical Marijuana Laws in Arkansas

– Arkansans for Compassionate Care campaign to legalize medical cannabis, putting up  the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (Issue 5). The act was defeated by a vote of 48.6% to 51.4%. Many believe this is because Issue 5 permitted patients to grow their own cannabis if they lived further than 5 miles from their nearest dispensary, and allowed

Medical marijuana is legalized in Arkansas.

Prohibits the Arkansas Legislature from making marijuana illegal again without voter approval.

Also known as the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

An amended Issue 7 was proposed, allowing for Arkansas patients to grow their own cannabis plants, and would have been permitted to make medical marijuana illegal again with a two-thirds supermajority vote in each legislative chamber. Issue 7 was struck from the ballot.

Telehealth for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas

Telehealth for medical cannabis was briefly made legal in Arkansas after emergency legislation was passed during Covid-19. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, and you must once again see a physician in-person for an initial consultation before you can be certified for medical cannabis.

Telehealth for Cannabis in Arkansas

Telehealth is legal for medical cannabis consultations in Akansas. You can see a compassionate and friendly medical marijuana physician online with Leafwell today.

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Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis Patients in Arkansas

Medical Marijuana for Minors in Arkansas

You must be aged 18 or over to qualify for a medical marijuana card for yourself in Arkansas. Those aged under 18 may apply as a minor, but will need a caregiver. In order to qualify for a caregiver mmj card in Arkansas, you must:

There are no accommodations on medical marijuana on school grounds. Using medical cannabis is prohibited in a school bus, on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school.

Cannabis Possession Limits in Arkansas

For medical card holders only – 2.5 oz. every 14 days.

Cannabis Cultivation Laws in Arkansas

Unfortunately, growing and cultivating cannabis is illegal in Arkansas, even if you are a qualifying medical marijuana patient. It is thought that the provision to grow cannabis is one of the big sore points in Arkansas medical marijuana law, and prevents it from going further.

Medical Marijuana and Employment Laws

According to Section 3 of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, a qualifying Arkansas medical marijuana patient can not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty for the use of medical marijuana. If you have a medical marijuana card, you will not be terminated if you test positive for THC as long as you are not impaired at work. Those working in federal employment or with vulnerable people cannot test positive for marijuana.

Medical Cannabis Qualification, Gun Laws and Convictions

Under federal law, it is still illegal to own or purchase firearms in combination with possession of marijuana.

A person convicted of a felony involving violence or the violation of controlled-substance laws within the past 10 years can not serve as a caregiver or work in the medical marijuana industry.

Local Cannabis / Marijuana Laws in Arkansas

Some cities in Arkansas have reduced the penalties associated with possession of low amounts of cannabis, effectively decriminalizing it to some extent.