If you’re curious as to whether or not weed is legal in Arkansas, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a medical marijuana patient, a recreational pot smoker or you just want to know where to buy the good stuff, you’ll find the information you’re looking for in this article.
Medical Marijuana
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment was approved by voters in the state in 2016. It was a popular vote that offers protections for patients and health care providers alike.
In a nutshell, the amendment allows seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana for treatment purposes. They must first receive written approval from a physician. Qualifying conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and severe arthritis.
Under the amendment, Arkansas law enforcement will not arrest patients for cannabis. However, local governments may set reasonable zoning restrictions on dispensaries.
Those who qualify for medical marijuana must obtain a registration ID card and purchase from a licensed dispensary. Patients are only allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per 14 days.
A medical marijuana ID card costs $50. To obtain one, prospective patients must apply online. Applications are reviewed by the Health Department. An approved applicant will have a registry ID card mailed to them.
Visiting patients are also permitted to purchase from licensed dispensaries. Those who live in another state can get a visiting patient certificate. However, they must have a qualifying medical condition in Arkansas.
Recreational Marijuana
The state of Arkansas has legalized the medical use of marijuana, but the law still prohibits adults from growing and possessing cannabis. A constitutional amendment could change this, however, if voters vote in favor of it. In fact, a recent poll indicates that over half of Arkans support legalizing cannabis.
Although medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2016, recreational use remains illegal. However, voters will have an opportunity to vote on the issue next month. Several prominent politicians have opposed the proposal. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and his daughter Sarah Huckabee Sanders, for example, have spoken out against it.
Supporters of the amendment say it would end decades of fighting against cannabis in the state. They also say it will give police the time to focus on more serious crimes.
Some have argued that the amendment will not eliminate the black market for marijuana. But a study by the Arkansas Economic Development Institute says it could generate $460 million in state revenues over five years.
Medicinal Marijuana Dispensaries
Arkansas has a medical marijuana program in place that is one of the most comprehensive in the region. The state passed a constitutional amendment in 2016 that established a medical marijuana program and extended protections to patients and caregivers.
To qualify for the program, you must have a diagnosis for a qualifying condition from a licensed physician. Your physician will provide you with a recommendation that you can use to get a registry card. You can only obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries that are state-approved.
Dispensaries in Arkansas operate much like pharmacies. The cannabis products are labeled and tested to ensure the safety of the patient. If a product fails testing, it must be destroyed.
Patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days. There is a 4% privilege tax on the sale. This revenue goes towards the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and its cancer research institute.
Licensed dispensaries must have a registration ID. The card is issued 30 days before the dispensary opens. The card is good for one year.
Growing Weed Outside
Whether you live in Arkansas or are visiting, it is important to know the laws on marijuana. Laws vary from city to city, so be sure to know your local rules.
In Arkansas, it is illegal to grow or sell marijuana. It is also illegal to transport marijuana. However, the penalties for this offense are less severe than for trafficking. For instance, the maximum fine for a first-time possession of up to four ounces is $2,500. The fines for a second offense are $400 to $3,000.
In Arkansas, you must be 21 years or older to possess cannabis. You can cultivate up to six plants. If you are arrested, you may be given conditional release.
Currently, there are eight licensed cultivators in Arkansas. These include eight Caucasian-owned establishments.
There are 38 licensed dispensaries in the state. These shops sell medical cannabis to patients. Patients can use the dispensaries’ curbside pickup services or have their medicine delivered to their homes.
