{"id":3524,"date":"2021-01-29T01:41:51","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T01:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?post_type=law&p=3524"},"modified":"2025-11-26T18:31:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T18:31:47","slug":"arkansas","status":"publish","type":"law","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/laws-and-regulations\/arkansas","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Weed Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\tIs weed legal in Arkansas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adult-use cannabis is prohibited in Arkansas, though patients with qualifying conditions and their doctors' approval may consume medical marijuana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2020, the Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Initiative<\/a> failed to receive enough signatures to appear on the general election ballot. If passed, the initiative would have legalized marijuana use in Arkansas for adults age 21 and over. The measure may be revisited in the 2022 election cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tLegislation history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prior to Arkansas' legalization of medical cannabis, the city of Eureka Springs passed a voter initiative in 2006 to make marijuana crime enforcement a low priority. Fayetteville passed a similar voter initiative in 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arkansas voters approved the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment<\/a> (AMMA), or Issue 6, with 53% of the vote on Nov. 8, 2016. The law allows seriously ill patients to obtain and consume medical marijuana with a doctor's approval and establishes licenses for state cultivation facilities and dispensaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tRegulation authority<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issues medical marijuana ID cards for patients and caregivers. The state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Division regulates dispensaries and has issued regulations for dispensing and cultivation. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission has also been created under the AMMA to regulate licensing of dispensaries and cultivation facilities and support the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division in implementing regulations. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to purchase weed in Arkansas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All medical marijuana products must be purchased through medical marijuana dispensaries registered with the state. Patients must show their medical marijuana ID card to purchase from a dispensary. Caregivers are allowed to purchase medical marijuana for their designated patient, provided they show their designated caregiver registry card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tFinding licensed dispensaries in Arkansas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medical marijuana cardholders can find licensed dispensaries in Arkansas<\/a> and search by major metro areas including Hot Springs, Jonesboro, and Little Rock. Many dispensaries in Arkansas offer delivery and curbside pickup services in addition to storefront sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to consume weed in Arkansas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arkansas patients may consume medical marijuana only in their homes. Consumption in public is not allowed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPossession and cultivation limits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No patient or caregiver cultivation is allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients and caregivers may purchase up to 2.5 ounces, or 70.87 grams, of medical cannabis every 14 days from one state-approved dispensary. There are restrictions for pain patients, but the ADH can add new conditions for eligibility. All medical marijuana used by qualifying patients in Arkansas must be grown and treated inside state boundaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recreational possession is illegal. Possession of less than 4 ounces, or 113.4 grams, of marijuana on a first offense is a misdemeanor that comes with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultivation is prosecuted as either simple possession or possession with intent to deliver, depending on the amount of marijuana being produced. Possession of less than 14 grams, or half an ounce, is a misdemeanor that carries a possible jail sentence of up to one year and a $2,500 fine. More than 14 grams is considered a felony with penalties depending on the quantity. Any amount greater than 4 ounces carries a mandatory minimum three-year prison term and $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tMedical marijuana program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Qualifying conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n