Apply for an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Online
Medical marijuana registration in Arkansas involves a quick evaluation process; however, there’s a difference between the processes involved compared to those states with the legalization of recreational cannabis. Arkansas has stuck with medical marijuana certification only and has become one of the last states that doesn’t have any plans regarding cannabis legalization. This means that having an Arkansas registry identification card for medical marijuana will be the only way to purchase cannabis. Contact an Arkansas-licensed doctor for your evaluation process, and once you’re certified, you’ll register through ADH and get your registry ID.
Arkansas’s medical marijuana program has been working under the same system ever since the passing of Amendment 98 in 2016. Contrary to the surrounding states, which passed the cannabis legalization law, the Arkansas citizens have voted down two ballot measures for cannabis legalization in 2016 and 2024.
Arkansas-Licensed Physicians · State-Regulated Program · $50 State Application Fee · Support Throughout the Process
Three Simple Steps to Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Getting certified in Arkansas involves both a medical evaluation and a separate state registration step.
Step 1: Get Certified by an Arkansas-Licensed Physician
Consult a physician or osteopathic physician who is licensed to practice in Arkansas to see if you qualify for any of the 18 qualifying conditions that the state has.
Step 2: Apply to the Arkansas Department of Health
Get an account in the registry program for patients seeking access to medicinal marijuana, submit your physician’s written certification of approval as well as a photocopy of your Arkansas identification card, and remit the $50 processing fee.
Step 3: Receive Your Registry ID Card
The average processing period is about 10 to 14 days. You can print your temporary digital card immediately upon acceptance while waiting for the physical card to be sent to you.
Why Patients Choose Us for Their Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Since Arkansas needs you to be diagnosed with one of the conditions on its list, all the providers are not necessarily as diligent in ensuring your qualifications before the assessment process is paid for. Here is what you should know:
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Feature |
What to Look For |
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Licensed Arkansas Physicians |
Currently licensed to practice medicine in Arkansas with an active DEA registration |
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Condition Screening |
Clear guidance on whether your diagnosis matches Arkansas’s qualifying conditions list before you book |
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Transparent Pricing |
Upfront evaluation costs are separate from the state’s $50 application fee |
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Application Support |
Help navigating the ADH registry system after your certification |
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Ongoing Support |
Assistance available through renewal, not just your first certification |
Since Arkansas doesn’t allow for open-ended certification, it would be useful to ensure your condition can be certified before scheduling your assessment, since the $50 state fee is non-refundable anyway.
Meet Our Licensed Arkansas Physicians
Each evaluation is performed by a practitioner licensed with the OCM Medical Cannabis Program of Arkansas State. All our physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have extensive experience and are dedicated to conducting comprehensive and patient-oriented evaluations, adhering strictly to Arkansas State’s medical cannabis laws.
Dr. J. Miller, MD
Medical Cannabis Evaluating Physician
Experience: 8 Years
A licensed general physician who applies a holistic, patient-focused approach while conducting state-compliant medical marijuana evaluations.
Dr. Kevin Kargman, DO
Medical Cannabis Evaluating Physician
Experience: 19 Years
A certified pediatrician with extensive clinical experience providing thorough, regulation-compliant medical marijuana evaluations.
Dr. Hosam Atoom, MD
Medical Cannabis Evaluating Physician
Experience: 10 Years
An internal medicine physician with extensive experience in managing chronic and complex medical conditions.
Dr. Cheryl Bugailiskis, MD
Medical Cannabis Evaluating Physician
Experience: 10+ Years
A board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of clinical experience conducting compliant medical cannabis evaluations.
Qualifying Conditions for an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
There are 18 recognized qualifying conditions under Amendment 98 in Arkansas, and you can only be certified to use medical marijuana when your condition falls within one of the 18 conditions. Some commonly certified conditions include:
Intractable Pain – When the pain cannot be managed using conventional measures such as medicines or surgery for at least six months.
PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder, which is among the common conditions to be certified in Arkansas.
Cancer – This encompasses both symptom management and treatment.
Severe Arthritis & Fibromyalgia – These are common qualifying conditions for people suffering from chronic pain.
Seizures – Seizures related to epilepsy.
Other conditions – This includes conditions such as ALS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, cachexia or wasting syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and severe nausea or muscle spasms.
Notably, the list of conditions in Arkansas has not changed since the passage of Amendment 98 in 2016. The Arkansas Department of Health allows citizens to petition for additional qualifying conditions through public petitions; however, no conditions have been added as of 2026.
Exclusive Benefits of an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Because Arkansas does not have an adult-use market, the only legal way to acquire cannabis in Arkansas is through a medical marijuana card. You can have:
Legal Access to Dispensaries – The registry ID card gives you the legal right to purchase from any dispensary within the state of Arkansas.
Purchase Limitation – Registered patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis per 14-day rolling period.
Legal Protections – Amendment 98 offers protection from arrests, prosecutions, and any penalties associated with the use of medical cannabis below the specified limits, and other provisions such as housing, licensing, and custody based only on your patient status.
Access Through Caregiver – Minors and individuals who cannot visit a dispensary can appoint a caregiver, who will be authorized to purchase on their behalf.
Visiting Patients Access – Out-of-state patients with a recognized qualifying condition can obtain a 90-day visiting patient card for $50.
Post-Certification Process
Once your doctor has given you the green light, here is what follows to help you get your Arkansas medical cannabis card.
Submit Your State Application
Complete the application process using the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Patient Registry System, along with the required documentation and fee.
Get Your Temporary Digital Card
After you’ve been approved, you can print out the temporary card right away without waiting for the mail to purchase products.
Visit a Licensed Dispensary
Use your card (either digital or printed out) and a government-issued photo identification to visit an authorized dispensary.
Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card Today
In case you happen to be an Arkansas resident who suffers from any of the 18 medical conditions recognized by the state, you need to get certification to use medical marijuana legally. Schedule an appointment with an Arkansas doctor for your certification.
Complete your evaluation and take the first step toward Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program registration.
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Frequently Asked Questions About ESA Letters in Arkansas
How do I get an Arkansas medical marijuana card online?
Begin by getting a recommendation from a licensed physician in Arkansas. Should you get diagnosed with an approved condition, you can then apply for your card directly via the state’s Medical Marijuana Patient Registry System.
Does Arkansas have adult-use (recreational) cannabis?
No, Arkansas does not have recreational cannabis. The state’s residents voted against passing adult-use legalization proposals in both 2022 and 2024.
How much does an Arkansas medical marijuana card cost?
There is a state application fee of $50, which is non-refundable, and on top of whatever the cost of the physician’s evaluation is.
Can I grow my own cannabis in Arkansas?
No. Home cultivation is illegal in Arkansas, even for registered medical patients. All medical cannabis must come from a licensed dispensary.
Can out-of-state patients use their medical card in Arkansas?
Get Your Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card
Connect with a licensed therapist serving Arkansas today. Complete the free screening and receive your FHA-compliant ESA letter fast — no fake registrations, no instant approvals, no scams.