How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

Reading Time: 5 minutes

If you live in the beautiful state of Arkansas and are looking for new ways to feel better, you've come to the right place. The state has a medical marijuana program that is helping lots of people, and it might be a great choice for you, too. Starting something new can sometimes feel a little confusing. You might have a lot of questions. But don't you worry! We made this guide to help you. We will show you exactly how to get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. We'll use simple, stress-free steps. This guide will break down everything you need to know to make it super easy.

Who Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas?

Before we jump into the steps, let's talk about who can get a card. The state of Arkansas has a few simple rules. You just need to make sure you fit into these groups first.

Basic Requirements for Applicants

Here are the main rules for getting a card. They are pretty straightforward.

First, you need to be at least 18 years old. If you are younger than 18, you can still get help, but your parent or a legal guardian will have to sign up as your caregiver. They will be the one to help you get your medicine.

Next, you have to be a resident of Arkansas. This just means you live in the state. You will need to have proof, like an Arkansas driver's license or a state ID card.

Finally, you must have a health problem that is on a special list from the state. We call these "qualifying medical conditions." We will talk more about this in our first step!

The 3 Simple Steps to Getting Your Arkansas Medical Card

Getting your card is as easy as 1, 2, 3! We've made the whole journey into three clear steps. If you follow these, you'll have a smooth and easy time with your application.

Step 1: Confirm You Have a Qualifying Condition

This is the most important first step. You need to make sure your health issue is on the official Arkansas list of qualifying conditions. The state made this list to be sure that medical cannabis is used to help people with specific health problems.

Knowing your condition is on the list is a key part of learning how to get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. You can't move on to the next step without it.

Some of the conditions on the list include:

  • Cancer

  • Glaucoma

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Hepatitis C

  • ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)

  • Crohn's disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Severe arthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Alzheimer's disease

  • Pain that is really bad and won't go away (this is called intractable pain)

There are more conditions on the list too. For all the details, you can look at our complete page on qualifying conditions. It's always a good idea to check the full list to be sure.

Step 2: Get Your Physician's Written Certification

Once you know your health problem is on the list, it's time for the next step. You need to talk to a doctor and get a special note from them. This note is called a "physician's written certification."

This can't be from just any doctor. It has to be from a doctor who has a license to practice medicine in Arkansas. The doctor will talk to you about your health and look at your medical history. They will make sure your diagnosis is correct.

This step is super important. The doctor's note is your proof for the state that you need medical cannabis.

The best part is that you can do this from your own home! You can talk to a doctor online using your computer or phone. This is called a telehealth appointment. Services like The Kif make it very easy to connect with a kind, certified doctor. It's fast, private, and very convenient.

Step 3: Complete Your Application with the Arkansas Department of Health

You have your doctor's note! You are now ready for the final step. It's time to fill out your application with the Arkansas Department of Health.

You will do this on their official website. First, you'll make an account with your name and email. Then, you will fill out some simple information about yourself.

Next, you will need to upload a few things. You will upload a picture of your doctor's certification and a picture of your Arkansas ID card. It's just like adding a picture to a social media post.

Finally, you will need to pay the state's application fee with a credit or debit card. It's a good idea to look over everything one last time before you click "submit." This helps make sure there are no mistakes that could slow things down.

What to Expect After You Apply

You've submitted your application. Great job! Now, the Arkansas Department of Health will look at everything you sent them.

This review can take about two weeks (or 14 days). They will check your information and your doctor's note to make sure everything is correct.

Once they approve your application, they will print your official medical marijuana ID card. They will then mail it to the address you put on your form.

This card is your key! You can use it to go to any licensed dispensary in Arkansas and buy your medicine. Once you have your card, you can start learning about different cannabis strains to find out what works best for you.

A Note From Our Medical Team:
Here at Kif, we offer a simple and secure platform to help you get your medical marijuana card online. We've proudly served over 150,000 patients across the country, earning top ratings on Google for our efficient service. With phone and video appointments available, you can receive your recommendation in as little as 10 minutes. Sign up today and let us help you access the medical cannabis you need without delay.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health Today

See? The process is not so hard when you know the steps. Getting your medical marijuana card in Arkansas is something you can do.

Just remember the three simple steps. First, check your health condition. Second, get a certification from a doctor. And third, fill out your application with the state. By following this guide, you can join the program without any trouble.

We hope we have clearly explained how to get a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. We want you to feel ready and confident to take the next step for your health. If you want to know more about us, you can learn about our mission and team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Arkansas?

The state of Arkansas charges an application fee of $50. This fee cannot be refunded, even if your application is denied. This payment is separate from the money you pay to see a doctor for your certification.

How long is an Arkansas medical card valid?

Your medical marijuana card in Arkansas is good for one year. The date it expires will be printed right on the card. To keep being a patient, you will need to renew your card every year before it expires.

Can I use an out-of-state medical card in Arkansas?

Yes, you can! Arkansas is friendly to visitors. If you have a medical card from another state, you can apply for a "visiting patient" card. This temporary card lets you buy medicine in Arkansas for up to 90 days.

Elvera Sauceda
Elvera Sauceda is a writer, researcher, and editor with a decade of experience covering natural medicine and holistic wellness, including the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Passionate about empowering readers to take control of their health, she focuses on providing informative, evidence-based insights into plant-based healing. When she’s not writing, Elvera enjoys gardening, exploring herbal remedies, and supporting wellness initiatives in her local community.

 

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical marijuana recommendations are made only by licensed U.S. healthcare providers via secure telemedicine, in accordance with state laws.

Always consult a qualified physician before making any decisions about your health or starting new therapies.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual Results May Vary

Medical cannabis affects every patient differently. Outcomes depend on the product chosen, dosing, medical condition, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and medication adherence. Effectiveness may vary widely; regular follow-ups with your provider are essential.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of medical marijuana include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, red eyes, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. Some may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, memory issues, or mild hallucinations when using high-THC products. Rare but serious effects include depression, psychosis, heart rhythm changes, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (frequent vomiting).

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal & Regulatory Notice

Medical marijuana is regulated by state law. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and is not prescribed in the traditional sense; it is recommended or certified for use, not prescribed. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits in certain states; renewals are often available via telemedicine, depending on local regulations.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act & Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product Quality & Safety

Only purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries licensed and regulated in your state. Unregulated products may contain contaminants or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, presenting safety risks.

Source: FDA – What To Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience unexpected or severe side effects from medical cannabis, notify your provider immediately and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program: MedWatch Online or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your report helps improve safety for all patients.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

Don’t miss these
Useful MMJ Card
Tips!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Table of Contents

Latest Posts

Free Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania Guide

Free Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania Guide

Reading Time: 5 minutesHello there! If you live in Pennsylvania and are looking for new ways to feel your best, you're in the right place....
How To Get a Free Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky

How To Get a Free Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky

Reading Time: 5 minutesWelcome! If you live in Kentucky and are looking for new ways to feel better, we have some great news for you....
Will Weed Be Legal in Texas in 2026

Will Weed Be Legal in Texas in 2026?

Reading Time: 3 minutesLots of people in Texas are asking the same big question: will weed be legal in Texas in 2026? It's a hot...
Qualifying Medical Conditions for an Iowa Medical Card

Qualifying Medical Conditions for an Iowa Medical Card

Reading Time: 4 minutesAre you looking for the list of qualifying medical conditions for an Iowa medical card? If you are, you have come to...
Qualifying Medical Conditions for an Illinois Medical Card

Qualifying Medical Conditions for an Illinois Medical Card

Reading Time: 4 minutesAre you trying to find the list of qualifying medical conditions for an Illinois Medical Card? If you are, you're in the...
Qualifying Medical Marijuana Conditions for a Georgia Medical Card

Qualifying Medical Conditions for a Georgia Medical Card

Reading Time: 4 minutesAre you looking for the list of qualifying medical conditions for a Georgia medical card? If so, you've come to the right...