How to Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Online in 2026
Arkansas remains one of the few Southern states with a fully operational medical marijuana program-and importantly, recreational cannabis is still illegal here. For the Natural State's residents dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, or other qualifying conditions, a medical marijuana card is the only legal path to cannabis access. With over 95,000 registered patients and 38 licensed dispensaries statewide, Arkansas's Amendment 98 program has become a model for conservative-state cannabis policy.
Unlike neighboring states flirting with recreational legalization, Arkansas voters rejected recreational cannabis in 2022 (Issue 4). This means medical cardholders maintain exclusive legal access-and our telehealth evaluations allow you to obtain your Arkansas MMJ card from Little Rock to Fort Smith, from Fayetteville to Texarkana, without leaving home.
Get Your Arkansas MMJ Card - $149.99
Arkansas Medical Marijuana: The Only Legal Option
Why Arkansas Patients Must Have a Medical Card
Unlike Colorado, California, or even neighboring Oklahoma and Missouri, Arkansas has no legal recreational marijuana. The implications are significant:
- Possession without a card: Felony charges for amounts over 4 oz, misdemeanor for less
- Purchasing without a card: Illegal; dispensaries verify card status for every transaction
- Cultivation: Completely illegal in Arkansas, even for medical patients
- Out-of-state cards: Not accepted in Arkansas (no reciprocity)
Arkansas's conservative approach means your medical marijuana card isn't just a convenience-it's a legal necessity for safe cannabis access.
Amendment 98: Arkansas's Medical Marijuana Framework
Arkansas voters approved Amendment 98 (The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment) in November 2016 with 53% support. The program launched sales in 2019 and has grown steadily:
| Year | Registered Patients | Dispensaries Open |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18,000 | 5 |
| 2020 | 45,000 | 28 |
| 2021 | 67,000 | 33 |
| 2022 | 82,000 | 36 |
| 2023 | 89,000 | 37 |
| 2025 | 95,000+ | 38 |
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions: Complete 2026 List
Arkansas Department of Health recognizes 18 qualifying conditions. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission reviews conditions periodically but has maintained this list since program inception:
Chronic and Pain Conditions
- Intractable Pain - The most common qualification; includes chronic back pain, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and injury-related pain unresponsive to conventional treatment
- Severe Arthritis - Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis affecting joint function
- Fibromyalgia - Explicitly listed, unlike some states that require it to fall under chronic pain
- Peripheral Neuropathy - Nerve damage causing pain, numbness, or tingling in extremities
Neurological Conditions
- Intractable Seizures/Epilepsy - Seizure disorders not adequately controlled by conventional medications
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - Lou Gehrig's disease, for muscle spasticity and quality of life
- Tourette Syndrome - For managing tics and associated symptoms
- Alzheimer's Disease - Particularly for agitation and appetite stimulation
- Multiple Sclerosis - Falls under severe muscle spasms category
Cancer and Terminal Conditions
- Cancer - All types and stages; for nausea, pain, appetite loss, and wasting
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome - Severe weight loss associated with AIDS, cancer, or other conditions
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Crohn's Disease - Inflammatory bowel condition causing pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition
- Ulcerative Colitis - Chronic inflammation of the colon
- Severe Nausea - When it significantly interferes with nutrition or quality of life
Mental Health Conditions
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) - The second most common qualification in Arkansas, including combat-related, assault-related, and accident-related trauma
Other Qualifying Conditions
- Glaucoma - Elevated eye pressure causing vision damage
- HIV/AIDS - For wasting syndrome, neuropathic pain, and appetite
- Hepatitis C - When causing severe symptoms or undergoing treatment
- Severe Muscle Spasms - Including those from spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders
Conditions Frequently Certified Under "Intractable Pain"
Arkansas's intractable pain provision covers many conditions not explicitly named:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Migraine headaches
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Phantom limb pain
- Sickle cell disease pain crises
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Arkansas permits telehealth evaluations for medical marijuana certifications. Here's the complete process:
Step 1: Create Your MMJ.com Account (2-3 minutes)
Register on our secure platform with:
- Full legal name matching your Arkansas ID
- Date of birth
- Arkansas residential address (required for state registration)
- Contact information
Step 2: Complete Medical History Questionnaire (5-10 minutes)
Our intake form collects essential information:
- Primary qualifying condition
- Duration of symptoms (how long you've experienced them)
- Severity description (mild, moderate, severe)
- Previous treatments attempted (medications, procedures, physical therapy)
- Current medications
- Relevant medical history
Documentation Tip: While not required, patients with medical records demonstrating diagnosis have the smoothest evaluations. If you have recent records, upload them during intake.
Step 3: Schedule Your Telehealth Evaluation
Choose an appointment time that works for you:
- Same-day appointments available most days
- Evening appointments until 8 PM CT
- Weekend availability (Saturday and Sunday)
- Appointments typically run 10-15 minutes
Step 4: Complete Your Video Consultation
Connect with our Arkansas-licensed physician through secure video. During the consultation:
- Verify your identity using your Arkansas ID/driver's license
- Review your medical history and questionnaire responses
- Discuss your symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Explain how your condition meets Arkansas qualifying criteria
- Receive certification determination
Step 5: Receive Your Physician Certification (Immediate)
If approved, your signed Arkansas physician certification is emailed immediately-typically within 10 minutes of your appointment ending.
Step 6: Apply to Arkansas Department of Health
Using your certification, complete state registration:
- Visit the Arkansas Department of Health Medical Marijuana Portal
- Create your patient account
- Upload your physician certification
- Upload a current Arkansas ID or driver's license
- Upload a passport-style photograph
- Pay the $50 state registration fee
Step 7: Receive Your Arkansas MMJ Card (10-14 days)
Arkansas ADH processes applications within 14 days. Most patients receive their card within 10 business days. Your card arrives by mail; there's no digital option currently.
Important: You cannot purchase from dispensaries until your physical card arrives.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Costs: 2026 Fee Breakdown
Standard Patient Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| MMJ.com Physician Evaluation | $149.99 | MMJ.com |
| Arkansas State Registration | $50.00 | Arkansas Dept of Health |
| Total New Patient Cost | $199.99 | - |
Annual Renewal Costs
Arkansas cards are valid for 1 year. Annual renewal requires:
- New physician certification (MMJ.com: $149.99)
- State renewal fee: $50
- Total renewal: $199.99/year
No Reduced Fee Program
Unlike some states, Arkansas does not offer reduced registration fees for low-income patients, veterans, or disability recipients. The $50 state fee applies to all patients equally.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Laws: Patient Rights and Restrictions
Possession Limits
Arkansas patients may possess:
- Up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana per 14-day period
- No concentrate-specific limit (included in 2.5 oz total)
- Tracked through state's seed-to-sale system
Purchasing Limits
- Maximum 2.5 ounces every 14 days from licensed dispensaries
- All purchases recorded in state tracking system
- Dispensaries verify remaining allotment before each sale
Where You Can Consume
Legal:
- Private residences (with property owner permission)
- Not visible from public areas
Illegal:
- All public places
- Vehicles (even when parked or as passenger)
- School grounds
- Workplaces
- Federal properties
- Rental properties (if lease prohibits)
Home Cultivation: Prohibited
Arkansas is one of the strictest states regarding cultivation:
- Patients cannot grow cannabis under any circumstances
- No caregiver cultivation exceptions
- No distance-from-dispensary exemptions
- Cultivation remains a felony offense
Arkansas DUI Laws
Arkansas has zero-tolerance THC DUI laws for non-medical patients. Medical cardholders have slightly more protection but can still face charges if impaired. Never drive after consuming cannabis.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Statewide Access
Arkansas licenses exactly 40 dispensary permits by law, with 38 currently operational as of December 2025.
Dispensaries by Region
| Region | Dispensary Count | Major Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Metro | 10 | Suite 443, Natural Relief, Green Springs |
| Northwest Arkansas | 9 | Acanza, Releaf Center, The ReLeaf Center |
| Northeast Arkansas | 6 | Delta Cannabis, NEA Full Spectrum |
| Southwest Arkansas | 5 | Natural State Wellness, Custom Cannabis |
| Fort Smith/River Valley | 4 | River Valley Relief, Good Day Farm |
| Other Regions | 4 | Various |
What to Expect at Arkansas Dispensaries
- Card verification required for every visit
- First-visit consultations with staff
- Product menus available online (most locations)
- Cash preferred (limited card processing)
- ATMs on-site at most locations
- No curbside pickup (must enter dispensary)
- No delivery services currently
Product Availability
Arkansas dispensaries carry:
- Flower (indica, sativa, hybrid)
- Concentrates (wax, shatter, live resin)
- Vaporizer cartridges
- Edibles (gummies, chocolates, beverages)
- Tinctures and oils
- Topicals (creams, lotions)
- Capsules
Frequently Asked Questions: Arkansas Medical Marijuana
Is recreational marijuana legal in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas voters rejected recreational marijuana (Issue 4) in November 2022 by approximately 56% to 44%. Medical marijuana remains the only legal cannabis option. Possession without a valid medical card is a criminal offense.
How long does it take to get my Arkansas card?
From start to finish, expect 10-14 days:
- MMJ.com evaluation: Same day
- Certification issued: Immediately after approval
- State processing: 10-14 business days
- Card delivery: Via mail after processing
Can I use an out-of-state medical marijuana card in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas has no reciprocity program. Out-of-state cards are not valid. You must obtain an Arkansas card to legally purchase or possess cannabis in the state.
What if I'm not approved by the doctor?
MMJ.com offers a 100% money-back guarantee. If our physician determines you don't qualify under Arkansas law, you receive a full refund of your $149.99 evaluation fee.
Can I grow my own cannabis with an Arkansas medical card?
No. Arkansas strictly prohibits patient cultivation. Even medical cardholders cannot legally grow cannabis. All cannabis must be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
Do Arkansas employers have to accommodate my medical marijuana use?
Arkansas provides limited employment protections. Employers cannot discriminate solely based on your cardholder status, but they can:
- Enforce drug-free workplace policies
- Terminate for positive drug tests in safety-sensitive positions
- Discipline for impairment at work
How do I renew my Arkansas medical card?
Approximately 30 days before expiration:
- Schedule a renewal evaluation with MMJ.com ($149.99)
- Receive new physician certification
- Apply for renewal through ADH portal
- Pay $50 state renewal fee
- Receive new card (valid for 1 year)
Can I designate a caregiver in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas allows registered caregivers for patients who cannot obtain their own medicine. Caregivers must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Be an Arkansas resident
- Pass a background check
- Register with Arkansas Department of Health
- Pay $50 caregiver registration fee
Why Arkansas Patients Trust MMJ.com
Arkansas-Licensed Physicians
Every evaluation is conducted by a physician licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board and experienced in medical marijuana certifications.
98% Approval Rate
Our thorough pre-screening and experienced doctors result in one of the industry's highest approval rates.
Fast, Same-Day Certifications
Receive your physician certification immediately after your appointment-no waiting.
Our 100% Money-Back Guarantee
If you don't qualify, you don't pay. We refund your entire evaluation fee.
7-Day Support
Our patient care team is available every day to answer questions and assist with the state registration process.
Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Today
Arkansas is one of few Southern states where legal cannabis access exists-but only through the medical program. Don't risk criminal charges for possession. If you have chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, or another qualifying condition, get the legal protection and dispensary access you deserve.
Your investment: $199.99 total ($149.99 evaluation + $50 state fee) Your timeline: Card in hand within 2 weeks Your access: 38 licensed dispensaries statewide
Schedule Your Arkansas MMJ Evaluation - Same-Day Appointments
Questions? Call 1-888-MMJ-8178
Last Updated: December 14, 2025 Information verified against Arkansas Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program guidelines and Arkansas Constitution Amendment 98