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Arkansas medical marijuana card, in short: Arkansas allows telehealth only for renewals, so first-time patients are certified in person — Leafwell sees new patients at scheduled Arkansas events. Renewing online costs $75 plus the state’s $50 non-refundable fee, $125 total. Cards last up to 12 months, and the Department of Health takes up to 14 days to process an application.

Who qualifiesArkansas residents with one of 18 conditions named in Amendment 98 — including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, PTSD, Tourette syndrome, seizures, severe nausea and intractable pain — plus any other condition approved by the Department of Health. Adults apply for themselves; minors can be registered through a designated caregiver.
Cost$75 $75 Leafwell telehealth renewal evaluation, plus the Arkansas Department of Health’s $50 non-refundable application fee — $125 total. The $50 goes to the state, not to Leafwell, and is not refunded if an application is denied.
How long it lastsUp to 12 months. The certifying physician sets the term and may specify less than a year, so check the date on your own certification rather than assuming twelve months. The written certification must reach ADH within 30 days of the physician’s signature or it expires unused.
Online or in personRenewals online; first-time certification in person. Arkansas rule 17 CAR § 140-3201(b)(12) bars issuing an initial written certification from a telemedicine assessment and permits recertification by telehealth (Act 1112 of 2021). So a returning patient can renew with Leafwell entirely online; a first-time applicant must be seen in person. Leafwell holds certification events across Arkansas for new patients, and pre-registration is required.
What is legal in ArkansasMedical only. Arkansas has no adult-use program. A registry card lets you buy from the state’s licensed dispensaries and possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days.Home cultivation is not permitted for patients. Products made from hemp-derived delta-8 and delta-10 THC are banned statewide under Act 629 of 2023.

The key benefits of a medical marijuana card in Arkansas

  • Enjoy legal protections for employment
  • Get legal cannabis at age 18+, rather than 21+
  • Access to dispensaries
  • Higher possession

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How Arkansas’s medical marijuana program works

Arkansas legalized medical cannabis in 2016 under Amendment 98 (the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment). The program is run by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), which issues patient registry ID cards, and the Medical Marijuana Commission, which licenses dispensaries. To become a patient you need (1) a qualifying condition, (2) a physician’s written certification, and (3) an approved application with ADH. Cards are valid for one year and cost $50 through the state. Here’s the full process, step by step.

4 easy steps to get your AR medical card

New patients in person · Renewals online in minutes

  1. 1. Sign up

    Register with Leafwell on any device and consult with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in minutes. (Renewals only)

  2. 2. Get your certification

    Once approved for your renewal, your doctor will upload your certificate to Leafwell’s platform.

  3. 3. Submit your certification

    Log into your existing Arkansas Medical Marijuana System account and submit your certification. The state fee is $50.

  4. 4. Get your card

    Receive your medical card from the state in 10-14 days and legally purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary.

A few more questions about the process?

Watch this video to learn more about getting a medical marijuana card in Arkansas.

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How much does the medical cannabis card cost?

Leafwell offers telemedicine appointments for Arkansas residents at $75 per appointment. There is no charge to patients who aren’t approved. When applying for an annual renewal, eligible patients must submit a non-refundable $50 application fee to the Arkansas Department of Health.

New patients can be certified in person at a Leafwell event.

label Renewal with Leafwell
Medical marijuana certificate$75
State application fee$50
Total$125
Renew Today

How to qualify for a medical marijuana ID card

Adults at least 18 experiencing at least one qualifying medical condition may be eligible to apply for a Arkansas medical marijuana card. Arkansas National Guard and U.S. military members cannot obtain an MMJ card under current Arkansas’ state law. All minor patients must have a caregiver to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. Qualifying medical conditions in AR include:

Qualifying conditions in Arkansas include:

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2 documents needed to apply for an Arkansas medical marijuana card

You'll need to provide the following to apply for your Arkansas marijuana card:

  1. 1

    Medical Marijuana Recommendation

    You must have your signed certification, which includes proof of your condition.

  2. 2

    Proof of Address

    You will need a government-issued photo ID card, such as an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID card.

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Next steps after approval

Congratulations on getting approved for your medical certification. Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 30 days of certification.

Here’s a guide to what you need to do next for new patients (please note Leafwell only sees renewal patients at this time).

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

  • Arkansas State ID (Arkansas driver’s license or Arkansas state ID issued by DMV)
  • Physician Certification (only the ADH form)
  • $50.00 debit or credit card payment (American Express not accepted)

Getting your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card

  1. Go to the Arkansas State website and click on ‘Apply Online.’
  2. Click on ‘Patient Registration.’
    1. Enter your name and date of birth.
    2. Enter a valid email address and create a password.
    3. Write down/save your password (you will need it later).
    4. Check your email for a “Confirm Your Account” email (you may need to check trash or spam).
    5. Confirm your account.
  3. Once confirmed, you can complete your application on the state website.
    1. Make sure you complete every box in the application.
    2. Don’t forget your SSN, Military Status, or signature (using your finger or mouse and sign in the box).
    3. You will need to upload the following:
      1. State ID (take a picture and upload it).
      2. Physician Certification (you can use the PDF version).
  4. Finish and Pay.
  5. Check on the status of your application in 14 days. If approved, print your card. If you do not print your card, it will be printed and mailed to you. Registry ID card application fees are non-refundable.
  6. Your registry identification card from the Arkansas Department of Health will be valid for one year from the date it is issued OR the amount of time designated by the physician.
  7. Once you have received your registry ID card, you are ready to purchase products from a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy. To purchase medical cannabis, you must bring your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with you to the pharmacy.

Please note: You have 30 days from the date of your certification to complete the state application. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

How to renew your MMJ card

Leafwell can only provide telehealth renewals for patients registered with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Patient Registry System.

  1. Create an account or sign in to Leafwell.
  2. See a licensed physician online, get approved, and download your physician certification.*
  3. Log into your existing Arkansas Medical Marijuana System account to submit your state application within 30 days.**
  4. Receive your medical card from the state in 10-14 days and legally purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary. The certification is valid for one  year.

*To comply with state regulations, you may be contacted twice during the recertification process.

Please note: Patients should renew their card 30 days before expiry to avoid incurring additional fees.

Next steps after renewal

Congratulations on renewing your medical certification. Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 30 days of certification.

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

  • Arkansas State ID (Arkansas driver’s license or Arkansas state ID issued by DMV)
  • Physician Certification (only the ADH form)
  • $50.00 debit or credit card payment (American Express not accepted)

Renewing your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card:

  1. Go to the Arkansas State website and click on ‘Apply Online.’
  2. Click on ‘Login.
    1. ‘Use your email and password to log in.
    2. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it here.
  3. Once logged in, you can complete your application on the state website.
    1. Make sure you complete every box in the application.
    2. Don’t forget your SSN, Military Status, or to sign (using your finger or mouse and sign in the box).
    3. You will need to upload the following:
      1. State ID (take a picture and upload it)
      2. Leafwell Physician Certification (you can use the PDF version)
  4. Finish and Pay
  5. Check on the status of your application in 14 days. If approved, print your card. If you do not print your card, it will be printed and mailed to you. Registry ID card application fees are non-refundable.
  6. Your registry identification card from the Arkansas Department of Health will be valid for one year from the date it is issued OR the amount of time designated by the physician.
  7. Once you have received your registry ID card, you are ready to purchase products from a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy. To purchase medical cannabis, you must bring your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with you to the pharmacy.
    Please note: You have 30 days from the date of your certification to complete the state application. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

Legal limitations for Arkansas cardholders

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment legalized medical marijuana for patients in 2016. Navigating the legal landscape can be tricky, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here are some key points you should be aware of if you have a medical marijuana ID card in Arkansas:

Possession Limits: Arkansas residents with a medical marijuana card can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days. The card proves that you can legally possess, transport, and consume medical marijuana products.

Product Availability: Dispensaries will stock a range of medical marijuana products, including tinctures, oils, dry flower, creams, edibles, and plant material used in vaporizers. You can consult your healthcare provider to discuss which products may work best for your needs.

Minor Restrictions: Medical marijuana patients under 21 may be restricted from smokable forms of cannabis.

Cultivation Not Allowed: It is not legal to cultivate cannabis plants in Arkansas, even for qualifying medical marijuana patients or their caregivers.

CBD and Delta 8: Hemp-derived cannabinoids manufactured from CBD, such as delta-8 THC, have been banned in the state. Though, CBD remains legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

In Person Certification Required: New patients cannot use telemedicine to obtain a medical cannabis card in Arkansas at this time. In-person visits are required to establish a provider-patient relationship.

How to become a caregiver in Arkansas

If you’re looking to become a medical marijuana caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Arkansas there are some important rules and steps to follow.

Caregiver Requirements:

  • Caregivers must be at least 21 years of age and an Arkansas resident with proof of residency (an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID card).
  • The individual being cared for must be physically disabled or a minor. They must have a current medical marijuana card.
  • Caregivers must complete a criminal background check without convictions for excluded felony offenses.
    • Parents of a minor qualifying patient are not required to complete a criminal history check. The parent will still register as a caregiver and pay the non-refundable ID card application fee.
  • State law prohibits members of the Arkansas National Guard and the United States military from obtaining a registry ID card.
  • A caregiver may also be a registered qualifying patient.
  • A caregiver may serve more than one patient, and patients may have more than one caregiver.
  • A caregiver must apply for a registry card for each patient.

Can you use an Arkansas medical card in other states?

Limited reciprocity is available to visiting qualifying patients. To qualify, the patient:

  • Must not be a resident of Arkansas (or has resided in Arkansas for fewer than 30 days).
  • Must have been diagnosed with a medical condition recognized under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act.
  • Must possess a medical marijuana registration card or its equivalent issued under another state’s laws. (Note: Louisiana residents will need the pharmacy label with the name and expiration date or their medical marijuana doctor’s approval letter/recommendation letter. Texas residents will need their licensed medical marijuana doctor’s approval letters or recommendation letters.)

The out-of-state registration card has the same force and effect as a card issued in Arkansas, except the visiting qualifying patient may not purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas *
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii *
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey *
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma *
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • U.S. Virgin Islands *
  • Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
  • Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

Minor patient information

All patients under the age of 18 require the legal guardian or parent to register as a caregiver. See the Caregivers section for requirements.

Minor Patient Requirements:

  • All patients under the age of 18 must have a caregiver (parent/legal guardian).
  • Both the caregiver and patient must be present during the consultation.

Minor and Caregiver Registration (State):

  • Parents of a minor with a qualifying condition do not need to complete the Criminal History Check, unlike other caregivers. However, they must still register as the caregiver and pay the $50 registry card application fee.
  • Minor patients and caregivers can apply online (preferred) or mail in the application.

State Medical Marijuana Resources (FAQ, forms, apply online) found here

Where to buy medical marijuana in Arkansas

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment 98 allows patients to receive cannabis from regulated dispensaries. Currently, there are a total of 38 dispensaries registered in the state of Arkansas. Patients with an Arkansas medical marijuana card can purchase products from these dispensaries.

Visit the AMMC for more information on where to buy medical cannabis.

FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about medical marijuana in Arkansas.

Can I apply for my medical marijuana card online in Arkansas?

Only if you are renewing. Arkansas allows a physician to complete a re-certification assessment by telehealth, but state rules prohibit issuing a first-time written certification from a telemedicine visit, so new patients must be seen in person to establish the provider-patient relationship. If you already hold an Arkansas registry card, you can renew online with Leafwell for $75 — you do not need to be an existing Leafwell patient. If you are applying for the first time, Leafwell certifies new patients in person at scheduled events across Arkansas.

How much does it cost to renew a medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

A Leafwell telehealth re-certification appointment costs $75, and there is no charge if you are not approved. The Arkansas Department of Health charges a separate $50 non-refundable registry application fee, paid to the state — it is not a Leafwell charge. Total out of pocket is $125 for a card valid up to 12 months.

Can a new patient get an Arkansas medical marijuana card online?

Not online, but Leafwell can still certify you, in person. Arkansas rules prohibit a physician from issuing a first-time written certification based on a telemedicine assessment, so a new applicant must be seen in person by an Arkansas-licensed physician. Leafwell holds in-person certification events across Arkansas for new patients; pre-registration is required and places are limited. Telehealth is permitted for re-certification under Act 1112 of 2021, so once you hold a card every future renewal can be done online for $75.

Can I renew my Arkansas medical marijuana card online?

Yes. Any patient already registered with the Arkansas Department of Health can complete the renewal re-certification online, and you do not have to be an existing Leafwell patient to renew with us. After your appointment you submit the new Physician Written Certification and the $50 state fee through the Arkansas Department of Health portal at mmj.adh.arkansas.gov.

How often do I need to renew my Arkansas medical marijuana card?

Every year. An Arkansas registry identification card is issued for up to 12 months, and your physician can specify a shorter period. A new Physician Written Certification is required each time you renew, and it must reach the Arkansas Department of Health within 30 days of the physician's signature. Renew about 30 days before your expiration date to avoid a lapse.

What are the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

Arkansas names 18 qualifying conditions: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, 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 lasting more than six months, severe nausea, seizures including those characteristic of epilepsy, and severe and persistent muscle spasms including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis. The Arkansas Department of Health may also approve any other medical condition or its treatment.

Can I get a card for my child in Arkansas?

Yes, with parental or guardian consent. Every patient under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian serve as their designated caregiver, and that caregiver must be present for the consultation. The Physician Written Certification must be marked as being for a minor before a caregiver application can be processed. Caregivers apply separately and pay a separate $50 non-refundable fee. Leafwell can only provide renewals for patients already registered with the state.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Arkansas?

Medical cannabis is legal in Arkansas under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 (Amendment 98). Registered patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana in a 14-day period and buy from state-licensed dispensaries. Home cultivation is not permitted. Recreational use remains illegal. Hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC are banned under Act 629 of 2023, which took effect statewide after a federal appeals court lifted the injunction against it in June 2025.

Will I be added to a public database once I have my medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

Registry to the Arkansas state medical marijuana program is mandatory to legally use medicinal cannabis in Arkansas. However, the database is not accessible by the general public.

How do I buy medical cannabis in Arkansas?

With a valid Arkansas registry identification card you can buy from a licensed dispensary or use a licensed delivery service, up to 2.5 ounces in a 14-day period. Home cultivation is not legal in Arkansas. Arkansas does not recognise out-of-state cards directly: visiting patients who hold a card from another state must apply to the Arkansas Department of Health as a visiting patient, and the condition they were approved for must also be a qualifying condition in Arkansas.

Does a medical marijuana card show up on a background check in Arkansas?

No, having a medical marijuana card won't show up on a standard background check in Arkansas. Medical marijuana registry information is usually confidential and protected by state law.

Can I get a medical marijuana card the same day in Arkansas?

You can often complete the physician appointment the same day, but the card itself is not same-day. The Arkansas Department of Health takes up to 14 days to process an application from the date it receives your application and payment. Incomplete applications are returned and take longer.

Can I own a gun if I have a medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

Arkansas state law and federal law conflict on this point. Under Act 757 of 2023, your status as an Arkansas qualifying patient or designated caregiver cannot be used to deny you a state concealed-carry licence. Federal law is unchanged: federal rules still bar an unlawful user of a controlled substance from buying or possessing a firearm, and the federal firearms transaction form asks about marijuana use. Speak to an attorney about your own situation before relying on either rule.

Can a felon get a medical card in Arkansas?

Sometimes. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but an excluded felony offence does. Excluded offences include violent crimes, sex offences, high-value theft, and controlled-substance violations within the past 10 years.

Can a nurse get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

Yes. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment does not exclude nurses or other healthcare workers from registering as qualifying patients. Individual employers may still enforce their own drug-free workplace policies, so check your employer's rules. Note that active-duty members of the Arkansas National Guard and the United States military are excluded from the program by Arkansas law.

Can you have a medical marijuana card and a CDL in Arkansas?

No, you cannot have a medical marijuana card and operate a commercial vehicle under federal law, even though state law has legalized medical marijuana.

Table of content

  1. What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card?
  2. Testimonials
  3. How to qualify for a card
  4. How much does the card cost?
  5. 2 things you need to get started
  6. Next steps after approval
  7. How to renew your MMJ card
  8. Next staps after renewal
  9. Legal limitations for Arkansas cardholders
  10. How to become a caregiver in Arkansas
  11. Can you use an Arkansas medical card in other states?
  12. Minor patient information
  13. Where to buy medical marijuana in Arkansas
Content reviewed by Dr. Gavin Moreland
Last updated: Sept 1, 2026