Table of Contents

1. Possession Limits
2. Cultivation Laws
3. Medical vs. Recreational Use
4. Penalties for Violations
5. Recent Updates and Changes
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Possession Limits

Arkansas strictly regulates the possession of cannabis for medical purposes only:

• Medical Patients: Qualified patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cannabis every 14 days.
• Recreational Possession: Possession of any amount of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal and subject to penalties.

Cultivation Laws

Cultivation of cannabis is highly restricted in Arkansas:

• Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of cannabis is not allowed, even for medical patients.
• Licensed Cultivation: Only state-licensed cultivation facilities can legally grow cannabis.

Medical vs. Recreational Use

Medical Use

Arkansas has a medical cannabis program established under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016:

• Qualifying Conditions: Conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and severe arthritis qualify patients for medical cannabis.
• Medical Card: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply for a medical cannabis card through the Arkansas Department of Health.
• Purchase Limits: Medical cannabis can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries, with a maximum of 2.5 ounces (70 grams) every 14 days.

Recreational Use

Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Arkansas:

• Possession: Possession of any amount of cannabis for recreational purposes is a criminal offense.
• No Legal Sales: There are no provisions for the legal sale or purchase of recreational cannabis.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of Arkansas’s cannabis laws carry significant penalties:

• Possession: Possession of less than 4 ounces of cannabis is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Possession of more than 4 ounces is a felony.
• Sale and Distribution: Selling or distributing cannabis without a license is a felony offense with severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
• Cultivation: Unauthorized cultivation of cannabis is also a felony, with penalties depending on the number of plants and circumstances.

Recent Updates and Changes

Arkansas continues to monitor and adjust its cannabis regulations to improve the medical program:

• Expanded Qualifying Conditions: The state periodically reviews and may expand the list of qualifying medical conditions.
• Regulatory Improvements: Ongoing efforts to streamline the application process for patients and improve the regulation of dispensaries and cultivation facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can tourists buy medical cannabis in Arkansas? A: No, only residents of Arkansas with a valid medical cannabis card can purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

Q: Where can I consume medical cannabis in Arkansas? A: Medical cannabis consumption is legal in private residences. Public consumption is prohibited.

Q: How can I get a medical cannabis card in Arkansas? A: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply through the Arkansas Department of Health.

Q: Are there any legal limits for transporting cannabis within Arkansas? A: Medical cannabis patients can transport their medication, but it must be in a sealed container and not in a public place.

Conclusion

Arkansas’s cannabis laws are strict, particularly regarding recreational use. However, the state provides a structured medical cannabis program for patients with qualifying conditions. Staying informed about these laws ensures responsible and legal cannabis use in the state.

Additional Resources

• Arkansas Department of Health – Medical Marijuana Program
• NORML: Arkansas Laws
• Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission

By following this guide, you can navigate the cannabis laws in Arkansas confidently and responsibly.