Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program Overview
Arkansas' medical marijuana program provides legal access to medical cannabis for patients diagnosed with specific qualifying medical conditions as defined by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016. The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health.
MMJ.com guides Arkansas residents through the eligibility verification and certification process, from documentation to telehealth evaluations.
Current Qualifying Medical Conditions
Patients in Arkansas must have at least one of the following approved medical conditions to be eligible for medical marijuana:
- 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
- Severe Nausea
- Seizures (Including Epilepsy)
- Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms
- Severe and Chronic Pain (Intractable Pain)
Patient Demographics
- Chronic Pain: Chronic and intractable pain are the most common qualifying conditions among Arkansas medical marijuana patients.
- Program Growth: Arkansas has seen increased enrollment among various patient populations since the program launched.
MMJ.com's Role in Patient Support
MMJ.com provides patient guidance, from verifying eligibility to documentation assistance. Our telehealth team conducts secure, convenient online evaluations for Arkansas patients.
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Arkansas's decision to include it in the state program.
Chronic and Severe Pain (Intractable Pain)
Intractable pain is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research surveying cannabis use among fibromyalgia patients. (Fiz et al., PLoS One 2011)
Severe Arthritis
Severe Arthritis is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in patients with arthritis-related symptoms. (Urits et al., Curr Rheumatol Rep 2019)
Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including MS)
Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis, are an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Seizures (Including Epilepsy)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, are an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Severe Nausea
Severe Nausea is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients experiencing nausea, including chemotherapy-induced nausea. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining dronabinol (synthetic THC) use in patients experiencing appetite and weight loss concerns. (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients experiencing appetite and weight-related concerns. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment regimens. (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management approaches. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Alzheimer's patients experiencing behavioral symptoms. (Shelef et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2016)
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's Syndrome. (Müller-Vahl et al., Pharmacopsychiatry 2003)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with ulcerative colitis. (Irving et al., Inflamm Bowel Dis 2018)
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is an approved qualifying condition under Arkansas's medical marijuana program. Arkansas included this condition based on research examining vaporized cannabis in patients with neuropathic pain. (Wilsey et al., J Pain 2013)
Disclaimer
This page provides information about Arkansas's qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. The inclusion of a condition in Arkansas's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Patients should always discuss potential treatment options, risks, and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.
MMJ.com's Telemedicine Support
- Telehealth Evaluations: MMJ.com offers telehealth assessments for each qualifying condition.
- Physician Certification: Our physicians issue certifications meeting Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission standards.
- Documentation Support: We ensure all documentation meets state requirements.
Petition Process for New Qualifying Conditions
- Submitting a Petition: Arkansas residents can petition the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to add new medical conditions. Each petition must include medical documentation, treatment histories, and supporting statements from healthcare providers.
- Review Timeline: The ADH typically reviews and decides on petitions within 120 days.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks, and register with the state separately. A parent or guardian acting as a caregiver for a minor patient is exempt from background checks.
- Registration Fee: A fee of $50 is required for caregiver registration.
Minors
- Special Requirements: Minors must have consent from a parent or guardian who also serves as their designated caregiver.
Visiting Patients
- Temporary Access: Non-residents visiting Arkansas can apply for a 90-day medical marijuana visiting card. A $50 application fee applies.
Patient Statistics
- Active Patients: As of early 2025, Arkansas has over 109,000 active medical marijuana cardholders, representing roughly 3.5% of the state population.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How quickly will my card be issued?
The Arkansas Department of Health typically processes and issues medical marijuana cards within 14 days after receiving a complete application.
- Can active military personnel apply?
No, members of the U.S. military and Arkansas National Guard are not eligible to participate in the medical marijuana program.
- Is home cultivation allowed in Arkansas?
No, home cultivation of medical marijuana is currently prohibited in Arkansas.