Buying Medical Marijuana in Arkansas
Medical marijuana in Arkansas has been legal since 2016, when voters approved a ballot measure to legalize the use of medical marijuana for certain qualifying conditions. Since then, the state has established a system for the sale and distribution of medical marijuana, allowing patients to purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries. In this article, we’ll explore the process of buying medical marijuana in Arkansas, including the steps you need to take to become a qualified patient and the regulations you must follow when purchasing the drug.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas
In order to purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas, you must first be a qualified patient. To become a qualified patient, you must have one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/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 or wasting syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Intractable pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
If you have one of these conditions, you can apply for a medical marijuana card from the Arkansas Department of Health. To do so, you must provide proof of your condition, such as a doctor’s note or medical records. You must also provide proof of Arkansas residency, such as a driver’s license or state ID. Once your application is approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card that will allow you to purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries.
Buying Medical Marijuana in Arkansas
Once you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries in Arkansas. There are currently 32 licensed dispensaries in the state, located in cities such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith. When purchasing medical marijuana, you must follow certain regulations. For example, you must be at least 21 years old and you can only purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per 14-day period. Additionally, you must present your medical marijuana card at the time of purchase.
Conclusion
Buying medical marijuana in Arkansas is a relatively straightforward process. To purchase the drug, you must first become a qualified patient by having one of the qualifying conditions listed above. Once you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries in the state. When purchasing medical marijuana, you must follow certain regulations, such as being at least 21 years old and presenting your medical marijuana card at the time of purchase.