If you live in Arkansas and have a medical condition, you may want to consider applying for a medical marijuana card. The law in Arkansas has changed recently, and it is easier than ever to get a card if you qualify. To obtain a card, you must be a registered patient with a physician. In addition, there are several things you must know before you apply for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas.

Getting a Card

If you have a serious chronic illness or are recovering from a major surgery, you may qualify to receive a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. However, you will need a physician to certify you.

First, you must visit a doctor who specializes in medical marijuana. You will need to provide your doctor with a medical record confirming your condition and current prescription medications. Then you will be asked to sign a declaration that you will not divert marijuana to others.

Typically, the assessment will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will also tell you which medical conditions are eligible for the card.

For example, a patient recovering from a major surgery may be able to get a six-month medical card. Similarly, someone suffering from chronic pain or nausea can receive a medical recommendation for marijuana.

Once you are approved, you can purchase medical marijuana at Arkansas dispensaries. A medical marijuana card is good for one year, and you must renew it after that.

Dispensaries

If you are looking for a way to legally purchase marijuana, you might want to look into Arkansas medical marijuana dispensaries. Currently, there are 36 licensed dispensaries across the state. However, more are expected to open in the future.

Arkansas is one of the first Southern states to implement a statewide medical cannabis program. The state passed Amendment 98 in 2016, which allows patients to obtain marijuana from regulated dispensaries. To get an ID card, you must be at least 18 years old and have a qualifying condition.

A new Arkansas medical marijuana dispensary is opening in Rogers. During the first nine months of this year, Arkansans spent $205 million on medical cannabis. It’s estimated that another five dispensaries are working towards opening their doors.

Medical marijuana is highly regulated in Arkansas. Dispensaries must be approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. There are also regulations surrounding how and where cannabis is cultivated.

Recreational Marijuana Initiative vs Medical Marijuana in Arkansas

If voters approve Issue 4, Arkansas could become the first state in the Deep South to legalize recreational marijuana. However, the effort has met with opposition from a coalition of social conservatives and marijuana proponents.

The ballot initiative would create a regulated market for adults to buy cannabis. It would also allow people to possess up to one ounce at a time. A 10% supplemental tax on sales of cannabis would be collected in addition to state and local sales taxes. This would fund law enforcement and drug court programs.

Issue 4 gathered more than 200,000 signatures. While a majority of Arkansans supported the measure, it came up short. It trailed with 388,123 votes. Nevertheless, it was ordered on the November ballot.

Issue 4 was introduced as a constitutional amendment by a group of Arkansas citizens. The measure would allow up to 40 dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis. They would be regulated by the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

Visiting Patients

In order to purchase medical marijuana from an Arkansas dispensary, you must first register. The process can be completed online. You will need to provide proof of your residency, your physician’s certification, and a $50 application fee. If approved, you can then obtain your card.

Medical marijuana cards in Arkansas are issued through the Department of Health. They are valid for one year and must be renewed each year. Once a patient receives a medical card, he or she can purchase marijuana and vape oils from an AR dispensary. A patient can also buy whole flowers.

Patients can obtain a visiting patient permit from the Department of Health. This is valid for 30 days and allows visitors with a valid medical card from another state to purchase cannabis products at an Arkansas dispensary.

To be eligible for a visiting patient permit, you must be a qualifying patient. You must have a condition that is considered under the Arkansas medical marijuana program. For example, severe nausea or Crohn’s Disease may qualify. However, you should consult your doctor before purchasing medical marijuana.