Medical Marijuana Card Criteria for Eligibility in Arkansas

In Arkansas, it is against the law to purchase cannabis from dispensaries without a valid medical marijuana card, even if you are considered to have a legitimate medical condition.

The medical card gives you a safeguard against violating state laws related to having your medicine.

Arkansas State Medical Marijuana Laws

In November of 2016, voters in Arkansas voted to pass a constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana for medicinal use for qualifying patients with health issues that they cannot adequately control or
address with other medications. No one in the state of Arkansas had legally used marijuana for over 100 years.

The law was intended to allow patients, particularly patients with severely controlled or chronic medical problems,
to use a natural medication where pharmaceutical medications had failed them, and put some amount of regulation on how the cannabis plant would be grown, processed, sold, and used so that the patients could feel safe that the product they were using was safe as well.

Arkansas isn’t the only state to adopt an MMJ program; there are more than 35 states that have some type of medical
marijuana program. Each state develops its criteria for determining who qualifies, how to apply, and what products
can be used, but it is important to understand, with a great deal of depth, how Arkansas specifically addresses
the qualification process if you are in that process.

Who is eligible: Age, residency, and all that

Before we even discuss health conditions, you need to check a few basic boxes to be eligible:

• Residency: You have to be a legal resident of Arkansas and prove it with whatever document gets you a state ID or driver’s license.
• Age: If you are 18 or older, you must apply on your own, but if you are under 18 years old, you can probably qualify, but a parent or legal guardian has to be the caregiver.
• Military Restrictions: Arkansas National Guard or U.S. Military Members. The military is not eligible to receive a medical marijuana card in Arkansas.
• Physician Approval: A physician who is currently licensed to practice in Arkansas needs to give you a signed certification indicating that you have a qualifying condition.

After you have satisfied that criterion, you can move on to the primary question: Do you have a qualifying medical condition?

Qualifying Conditions: What Health Issues Count

Under Arkansas law, there is a variety of medical conditions that allow you to qualify for a medical marijuana card. Below is the current list:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV positive/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Intractable Pain (lasting greater than 6 months and not responding to treatment)
• Severe Nausea
• Seizures, including epilepsy
• Severe, persistent muscle spasms (such as with multiple sclerosis)
• Any other condition or treatment (apart from the above) approved by the Arkansas Department of Health

It is important to note that the list is fluid. Based on the petitions they receive, the Arkansas Department of Health may approve new qualifying conditions.

How to Apply: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a medical marijuana card may seem a little scary, but it is pretty simple when you break it down into steps.

• Step 1: Set Up An Appointment with An Arkansas Doctor
  You must see a licensed physician who can confirm that you have a qualifying condition. This is not a prescription; it is simply a written certification form.
• Step 2: Get Your Paperwork Together
  You will need to have your doctor’s certification done, your Arkansas ID or a driver’s license photocopy, and proof of residency.
• Step 3: Apply Online
  Once you select the Arkansas Department of Health’s medical marijuana portal, you will create an account and perform the application process.
• Step 4: Pay The Fee
  The application fee is $50 and non-refundable. A caregiver must apply separately, and they may also have a fee for a background check.
• Step 5: Wait for Approval
  Most applications will take between 10-14 business days to process. After approval, you will be able to print a temporary card until your physical card comes in the mail.
• Step 6: Visit a Dispensary
  Now that you have your card, you are free to shop at any licensed dispensary in Arkansas and purchase products like cannabis flower, tinctures, edibles, or topical products.

Why It Matters: Benefits of Having a Card

Having a medical marijuana card in Arkansas is not just about being able to purchase cannabis, but also about being able to legally access cannabis. Here is why it matters:

• Legal Protection: Your card is documentation that you are permitted to use cannabis for medical reasons under Arkansas law; without it, you might face legal repercussions based on possession.
• Safe Access: Dispensaries that are licensed sell cannabis products that have been tested for potency and purity, so you’ll know what you’re getting.
• Variety of Available Products: Dispensaries do not just have cannabis flowers; they have several consumable items such as oils, edibles, topicals, and more.
• Doctor Advice: As a member of a medical program, you have access to expert advice on dosage, strain type, and methods for consumption specific to your condition.
• No Guesswork: All the products have labels indicating THC and CBD content, making it easy to keep track of what is working best for you.

Conclusion

For residents of Arkansas who are coping with a qualifying medical condition, a medical marijuana card can provide a new opportunity for relief.

The application process is simple – see a doctor, gather your required documents, apply online, and wait for approval.

While cannabis is not the end-all-be-all medication, many patients report relief from chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms, anxiety, and many other debilitating conditions when nothing else has succeeded.

At mmjmedics.com, we feel that patients are entitled to safe, legal access to any treatment that they find helpful.
We are here to help you every step of the way – from understanding the requirements in Arkansas to finding a doctor who can help.

Your health is important. If you feel medical marijuana may be the right way to help your condition, take the first step toward accessing your Arkansas medical marijuana card. Relief may be closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions