Arkansas Qualifying Conditions: Detailed Guide
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Arkansas's decision to include it in the state program.
Chronic and Severe Pain (Intractable Pain)
Intractable pain is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research surveying cannabis use among fibromyalgia patients.
Severe Arthritis
Severe Arthritis is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in patients with arthritis-related symptoms.
Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including MS)
Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis, are an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity.
Seizures (Including Epilepsy)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, are an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Severe Nausea
Severe Nausea is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients experiencing nausea, including chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining dronabinol (synthetic THC) use in patients experiencing appetite and weight loss concerns.
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients experiencing appetite and weight-related concerns.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment regimens.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management approaches.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure.
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Alzheimer's patients experiencing behavioral symptoms.
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's Syndrome.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining vaporized cannabis in patients with neuropathic pain.
Petition Process for New Qualifying Conditions
- Submitting a Petition: Arkansas residents can petition the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to add new medical conditions. Each petition must include medical documentation, treatment histories, and supporting statements from healthcare providers.
- Review Timeline: The ADH typically reviews and decides on petitions within 120 days.