Cannabis in Arkansas

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cannabis in Arkansas[edit | edit source]

Cannabis in Arkansas refers to the legal and regulatory status of cannabis, both for medical and recreational use, within the state of Arkansas. The state has a medical cannabis program, but recreational use remains illegal.

History[edit | edit source]

The history of cannabis in Arkansas dates back to the early 20th century when cannabis was first regulated in the United States. However, significant legal changes occurred in the 21st century.

Early Legislation[edit | edit source]

In the early 1900s, cannabis was not widely regulated in Arkansas. It was not until the 1930s, with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, that cannabis began to be regulated at the federal level, which influenced state policies.

Medical Cannabis Legalization[edit | edit source]

In 2016, Arkansas voters approved Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, Issue 6 (2016), which legalized medical cannabis for qualifying patients. The amendment allowed for the establishment of a regulated system for the cultivation, distribution, and use of medical cannabis.

Medical Cannabis Program[edit | edit source]

The Arkansas Department of Health oversees the state's medical cannabis program. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card, which allows them to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

Qualifying Conditions[edit | edit source]

Some of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use in Arkansas include:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Dispensaries and Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Arkansas has a limited number of licensed dispensaries and cultivation facilities. These establishments are regulated by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission.

Legal Penalties[edit | edit source]

Despite the legalization of medical cannabis, recreational use remains illegal in Arkansas. Possession of cannabis without a medical card can result in criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.

Economic Impact[edit | edit source]

The medical cannabis industry in Arkansas has contributed to the state's economy through job creation and tax revenue. The program has also provided patients with access to alternative treatments for various medical conditions.

Also see[edit | edit source]




WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD