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Renew Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card

See an AR-licensed medical marijuana doctor online in minutes and get the cannabis care you deserve.

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The key benefits of a medical marijuana card in Arkansas

  • Access to dispensaries

    Having a medical card is the only way to legally purchase, use, and possess cannabis in the state of Arkansas.

    Recreational use is illegal.

  • Higher possession

    “Medical card holders can possess 2.5 oz of medical cannabis product.

    Non-card holders cannot legally possess cannabis products.”

  • Lower age restriction

    Patients 18+ can qualify for a medical card.

    Minors can also apply for a medical card if they have an approved caregiver.

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Get your AR med card approved in minutes.
It’s quick, easy, and convenient.

Getting approved for an Arkansas medical marijuana card has never been easier. With our online platform, you can register, consult with a doctor, and receive your certification in just a few minutes. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and convenient, so you can get the relief you need without the hassle. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or another qualifying condition, our streamlined system ensures you can access medical marijuana swiftly and efficiently.

  1. step register

    1. Create or Log Into Your Leafwell Account

    It’s quick and easy! Plus, your data and medical records are secure on our state-of-the-art, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.

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

     

  2. step doctor

    2. Discuss Medical Marijuana With the Healthcare Provider

    See your Arkansas healthcare provider online to discuss your renewal. The consultation fee is $75, and you’re only billed if approved.

  3. step card

    3. Receive Your Certificate From Leafwell

    Register for the Arkansas medical marijuana program by attaching your written certification PDF to a completed State of Arkansas application. You can submit your application online.

    The state application fee, payable to the state, is $50. The application and Leafwell fees are separate.

  4. step state

    4. Register with the State

    It takes the Arkansas Department of Health 7 to 14 business days to process the application, and it can take 7 to 30 days to get a physical copy of your medical marijuana card.

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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What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card?

Wondering how an AR medical marijuana card can transform your Arkansas medical cannabis experience?

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Purchase Cannabis$75 checkempty
Possess Cannabis$50checkempty
Use Cannabis$125checkempty
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How much does the medical cannabis card cost?

Arkansas medical marijuana patients save more with Leafwell. Get your money back if not approved.

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.

label Renewal with Leafwell
Medical marijuana certificate$75
State application fee$50
Total$125
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How to qualify for a medical marijuana ID card

Adults at least 18 diagnosed with 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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With Leafwell, you'll be matched up with a highly knowledgeable, empathetic, licensed medical marijuana doctor or provider.

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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.

Get Started

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.


Frequently asked questions

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

Telemedicine for medical cannabis is legal in Arkansas but only for renewal patients. You do not have to be an existing Leafwell patient to renew with us.

Can I renew my Arkansas medical marijuana card online?

Yes. All existing patients can renew their Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card online. You do not have to be an existing Leafwell patient in order to use our online services.

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

Arkansas medical marijuana certificates are valid for one year and can be renewed online. We recommend renewing 30 days before your expiration date to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Can I get a card for my child in Arkansas?

Yes, you can get a medical marijuana card for a minor in Arkansas with parental/guardian consent. All patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian serve as their caregiver who must be present for the consultation. Once the minor patient is approved, they and their caregiver will need to apply to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program. Parents of a qualifying minor are not required to complete a Criminal History Check. However, there is a $50 nonrefundable registry card application fee. More information can be found here.   Please note: We can only provide renewals for patients previously registered with the state.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Arkansas?

2016 – Medical marijuana is legalized, allowing patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis on their person over a 14 day period. 2017 – Applications for medical marijuana registration are being accepted.

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?

If you have a medical marijuana card or certificate letter, you can buy cannabis in Arkansas at a licensed dispensary or use a licensed delivery service. It is not currently legal to cultivate cannabis in Arkansas.

For Arkansas Visitors

If you are a medical cardholder but are not a resident of Arkansas, you will need to apply for the Arkansas medical marijuana program as Arkansas does not have medical marijuana reciprocity. In order to apply, you will need a medical marijuana card or its equivalent from your state. Additionally, the condition(s) for which you were approved must also be a condition(s) approved in Arkansas. For residents of Louisiana (LA) visiting Arkansas: You will need the pharmacy label with the name and expiration date or the approval letter/recommendation letter from your doctor. For residents of Texas (TX): You will need your approval letter or recommendation letter from your physician.

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?

No. It takes up to 14 days for the Arkansas Department of Health (DoH) to process a patient's application. The medical marijuana card will usually be issued within this time if the patient is approved.

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

Yes. Arkansas' Act 757 has been implemented, allowing medical marijuana patients and registered caregivers to obtain concealed carry licenses for firearms.

Can a felon get a medical card in Arkansas?

Yes, with some exceptions. A felon may qualify for a medical card if they have not been convicted of an excluded felony offense. Excluded felonies include violations of controlled-substance laws within the last 10 years, violent crimes, high value theft (over $1000), and sex crimes.

Can a nurse get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas?

Yes. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment ensures that qualifying patients, including nurses, can buy and use medical marijuana. However, some hospitals and medical institutions might employ strict rules regarding maintaining a drug-free workplace and ensuring patient safety.

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.

How long does it take to get approved for medical marijuana in Arkansas?

Patient applications may take up to 14 days to process from the date the Arkansas Department of Health (DoH) receives your application and payment. Incomplete applications or applications with errors will be returned.