Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act Qualifying Conditions

Our Arkansas doctors can certify patients renewing their medical marijuana certification. Patients do not need to see their original certifying doctor to complete their renewal. Our doctors cannot certify patients who haven't been certified before in Arkansas.

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 25, 2026

You are eligible for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas if you are a resident ailing from a qualifying medical condition.

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • What are the Arkansas medical marijuana qualifying conditions?
  • What are the requirements for medical cannabis in Arkansas?
  • Am I eligible for the Arkansas medical marijuana card?

All the information on this page is sourced directly from the official Arkansas Department of Health website. So, you can trust that you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s find out if you qualify for medical cannabis in Arkansas.

Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

What Are the Requirements for a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas?

To qualify for an Arkansas medical marijuana card, you must meet the state’s eligibility requirements, which include:

  • Be 18 or older, or be a minor patient with parental or legal guardian consent
  • Have a qualifying medical condition under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act
  • Obtain a written certification from an Arkansas-licensed physician
  • Provide proof of Arkansas residency with a valid Arkansas-issued driver’s license or state ID
  • Submit the required application and payment to the Arkansas Department of Health

Meeting these requirements allows you to apply for an Arkansas medical marijuana card through the Arkansas Department of Health.

Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

After receiving your medical marijuana certification, you can visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Patient Registry to start your patient application.

Create an account and fill in the required fields. Verify your account and begin your application.

Ensure you complete every part of the application. Remember, an incomplete application won’t be processed and will delay the process.

Also, make note of the following details that you must provide:

  • SSN (Social Security Number)
  • Military Status (If applicable)
  • Sign (use your finger or mouse pad to sign the box)
  • State ID (take a clear picture and upload it)
  • Physician Certification (use the signed certification you received after approval)
  • Pay the non-refundable $50 government fee.

The Arkansas Department of Health generally takes up to 14 days to process a complete application. After approval, log in to the Arkansas medical marijuana registry and print a copy of your registry ID card. Soon after, the department will print and mail the physical card to your address. 

Documents for your Arkansas medical marijuana card application

  • Proof of ID (Arkansas driver’s license or Arkansas state ID issued by the DMV)
  • Medical Marijuana Recommendation (from our AR cannabis doctor after they approve you)

How to Get Medical Marijuana in Arkansas (AR)

You will be able to get medical marijuana in Arkansas if you meet all the qualifications and successfully apply for a medical card. Your Medical Marijuana ID Card enables you to buy medicine from one of the dispensaries authorized by the state. There are a total of 37 licensed dispensaries in Arkansas. The most popular dispensaries in the state include:

  • Releaf Center Dispensary in Bentonville, AR
  • Good Day Farm Dispensary in Texarkana, AR
  • Harvest Dispensary in Conway, AR
  • Fiddlers Green Dispensary in Mountain View, AR

When buying medical marijuana at a state-regulated dispensary, make sure you:

  • Bring your Medical Marijuana ID Card and photo ID (AR ID or Driver’s License) when purchasing medicine from a dispensary.

Underage Patients must be supervised by their designated caregiver or guardian when purchasing their medicine at a dispensary. Caregivers and Guardians must provide proof of ID when accompanying the Minor Patient.

Most importantly, patients can’t fill a prescription for medical marijuana at a local pharmacy like other medications.

Caregivers are individuals who can buy medical marijuana on a patient’s behalf through legal authorization.

To qualify for a designated caregiver registry card to legally purchase medical marijuana for a qualifying patient, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • You must be 21 years old or older.
  • Your patient should either be physically disabled or a minor.
  • Your qualifying patient must have a current medical marijuana card.
  • You can’t have been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense.
  • You must be an Arkansas resident with proof of residency (AR Driver’s License or AR State ID card)
  • Be eligible under state law, as Arkansas National Guard and U.S. military members cannot obtain a registry ID card.

Note: Parents of a minor with a qualifying condition don’t need to complete a Criminal History Check. Still, the parent must register as a caregiver and pay the non-refundable registry card application fee.

Regular caregivers pay $37 for a Criminal History Check.

Caregivers can call 1-833-214-8619 (toll-free) to request a Criminal History Review Application and fingerprint card.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas residency and diagnosis of a qualifying condition are requirements for the state medical marijuana card.
  • An Arkansas cannabis doctor must certify you for medical marijuana before you can apply for your medical card.
  • Eligible minors must have their parent or legal guardian register as a caregiver.
  • Arkansas charges $50 for the medical marijuana card.
  • It may take up to 14 days for the Arkansas Department of Health to process your medical marijuana card application.

Ready to Get Your Cannabis Certification?

Speak with our Medical Marijuana Doctor today. Same-day appointments available.

Common Questions about the Arizona Medical Marijuana Requirements

Below are answers to questions patients have about Arkansas medical marijuana qualification and requirements.

What forms of ID are accepted for a medical marijuana card?

Arkansas requires a valid Arkansas driver’s license or state-issued ID card for a medical marijuana card application. Proof of residency documents are not accepted as a substitute for these forms of identification.

Can out-of-state patients apply for a medical marijuana card?

Yes. Out-of-state patients with a valid medical marijuana card from another state may apply for visiting patient registration in Arkansas. Their qualifying condition must also be recognized in Arkansas. The state charges a nonrefundable $50 fee, and an approved visiting patient registration is valid for 90 days.

    Do I need medical records to get a medical marijuana card?

    Medical records are not listed as a standard document required for the Arkansas state application. However, the doctor must evaluate your condition and determine whether you qualify for certification. Keep relevant medical records available in case the doctor requests them.

    How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card?

    The Arkansas Department of Health may take up to 14 days to process a complete application after receiving the required documents and payment. Incomplete applications or applications with errors may take longer. You can print your card online after approval.

    How does the medical marijuana consultation work?

    During your consultation, an Arkansas-licensed physician reviews your medical history, symptoms, and any relevant records to decide whether you qualify. If approved, the physician gives you a written certification to include with your state application.

    How long is a medical marijuana card valid?

    An Arkansas medical marijuana registry card is valid for up to 1 year, unless the physician specifies a shorter period. You must obtain a new physician’s certification and renew your state registration to maintain eligibility.

    Patient Resources and Forms

    Contact details for the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program

    State Agency: The Arkansas Department of Health

    Phone: Toll-Free 1-833-214-8619 or 501-682-4982

    Mailing Address:

    4815 W. Markham St., Slot 50
    Little Rock, AR 72205

    Website: healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/medical-marijuana