Weed dispensaries in Little Rock, AR

Visiting a Dispensary in Little Rock

While Little Rock, Arkansas is known for its vibrant culture, arts scene, and numerous museums, the city does have strict laws around cannabis use. If you’re looking for a dispensary in the city, here’s what you need to know.

The Lowdown on Little Rock Cannabis Laws

Medical cannabis use in Little Rock is allowable. However, recreational use of cannabis is still illegal and punishable under state law. 

The medical use of cannabis was first legalized in 2016 by a ballot measure at the state level. In 2020, the Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Initiative was presented with the hopes of legalizing the recreational use of cannabis for adults over the age of 21. However, it failed to receive enough signatures to be placed on the state’s election ballot. 

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Little Rock

Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal both in Little Rock and in the state of Arkansas. Possession of marijuana without a medical license is considered a Class A misdemeanor under the Arkansas state law, and those who are found to have up to 4 ounces of cannabis on them face up to a $2,500 for a first-time offense. A first-time offense can also result in the loss of a driver’s license for six months and imprisonment for up to a year. 

Medical Cannabis Laws in Little Rock

Medical use of cannabis is legal under the Medical Marijuana law for the state. Those who qualify with a recognized condition may obtain a registry card.  The Arkansas Alcohol and Beverage Control Agency manages the medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, which are the only approved locations for purchasing cannabis. Numerous health conditions are approved for medical cannabis, including:

• Tourette’s syndrome

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Hepatitis C

• Severe arthritis

• Severe nausea

• Seizures

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• HIV/AIDs

• Crohn’s disease

• Fibromyalgia 

• Alzheimer’s disease

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Little Rock

To obtain a medical marijuana medical registry card, individuals need to apply online with the Arkansas Department of Health and:

• Register and create an account on the site 

• Provide their Social Security number, military status, and state ID

• Provide a physician certificate, which is also available to download from the Health Department’s website

• Pay the $50 application fee

Caregivers may also apply for a medical marijuana card for qualified patients by following the same steps as above.They must also pay $37 for a caregiver criminal background check. 

Approval generally takes 10-14 days. Once approved, both patients and caregivers can download their card online or request that one be printed and mailed to them. Medical cards are good for one year, and must be renewed for an additional $50 annually.

Those who are visiting Little Rock and wish to obtain a medical card need to apply for access and pay a $50 fee using the same steps. This provides 30 days of access.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Little Rock

Those who have a medical card for use of cannabis are still only able to use it within their homes. There is no public consumption of cannabis allowed in Little Rock or the state. 

How to Buy Cannabis at a Little Rock Dispensary

The only way to buy cannabis legally is to visit a Little Rock dispensary. There are several in the city, with business hours generally between 9am-6pm. There are a few dispensaries that offer delivery or curbside pickup. For any type of purchase, you must show your medical marijuana card.

Cannabis Taxes in Little Rock

There’s a 10.5% tax on all sales of cannabis in the state. Of that, 6.5% goes to general revenue as a sales tax, while 4% goes to the University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences for the goal of establishing a cancer institute.