Arkansas Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
Arkansas's medical marijuana program, administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), allows patients to designate caregivers to assist with their medical cannabis needs. The program emphasizes patient safety while providing accessible caregiver registration.
Quick Facts: Arkansas Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $50 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Max Patients | 1 (exceptions for family) |
| Processing Time | 10-14 business days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Residency | Arkansas resident required |
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Arkansas?
Age & Residency:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be an Arkansas resident
- Must possess valid Arkansas identification
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Fingerprinting required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony conviction within 5 years
- Drug trafficking convictions
- 5-year lookback period for most offenses
Additional Requirements:
- Cannot be a registered patient yourself
- Cannot be employed by a dispensary or cultivator
- Must be designated by a qualifying patient
How to Register as an Arkansas Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation A qualifying patient must designate you as their caregiver through the ADH system.
Step 2: Create ADH Account Visit the Arkansas Department of Health medical marijuana portal.
Step 3: Complete Application Submit your caregiver application with:
- Personal identification
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Patient designation confirmation
Step 4: Background Check Complete fingerprinting and background check through approved vendor.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fee Submit the $50 registration fee.
Step 6: Receive Your Card Once approved (10-14 business days), your caregiver ID card will be mailed.
Required Documents for Arkansas Caregiver Registration
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Patient designation form
- Background check authorization
- Fingerprints (through approved vendor)
- $50 registration fee
Arkansas Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical marijuana from licensed Arkansas dispensaries
- Possess up to 2.5 ounces per 14-day period
- Transport cannabis between dispensary and patient
- Assist with administration of medical marijuana
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Grow marijuana plants (not permitted in Arkansas)
- Be a registered patient yourself
- Work for a dispensary or cultivation facility
- Serve more than 1 unrelated patient
- Transfer cannabis to non-cardholders
Possession Limits for Arkansas Caregivers
- Per Period: 2.5 ounces per 14-day period
- Product Types: All approved forms from licensed dispensaries
- Concentrates/Edibles: Included in ounce equivalents
- Tracking: All purchases tracked through state system
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | $50 |
| Annual Renewal | $50 |
| Fingerprinting | ~$40-50 (paid to vendor) |
| Replacement Card | $15 |
Total Initial Cost: Approximately $90-100 (registration + fingerprinting)
Patient Limits for Arkansas Caregivers
Arkansas has specific rules about how many patients caregivers can assist:
- General Rule: 1 patient per caregiver
- Exception: Can serve additional patients if they are immediate family members
- Rationale: Ensures quality care for each patient
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patients can an Arkansas caregiver serve? Generally 1 patient, unless additional patients are immediate family members.
Can I grow cannabis as a caregiver in Arkansas? No. Home cultivation is not permitted in Arkansas. All cannabis must be purchased from a licensed dispensary.
Can I be both a patient and caregiver in Arkansas? No. Arkansas does not allow individuals to hold both patient and caregiver registrations.
How much does it cost to become an Arkansas caregiver? The registration fee is $50. With fingerprinting costs (~$40-50), expect approximately $90-100 total.
How long does Arkansas caregiver approval take? Applications are typically processed within 10-14 business days after fingerprinting.
What disqualifies you from being a caregiver in Arkansas? Felony convictions within 5 years, drug trafficking convictions, or employment at a cannabis facility.
Official Resources
- Arkansas Department of Health - Medical Marijuana
- Caregiver Application
- Find Arkansas Dispensaries
- Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment
Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
MMJ.com connects Arkansas patients with certified physicians for convenient telehealth evaluations. Get your card and designate a caregiver today.