How to Apply for an Arkansas Medical Marijuana Card

Before You Begin: Eligibility

To apply for an Arkansas medical marijuana card you must:

• Be an Arkansas resident with a valid Arkansas driver’s license or state ID. Out-of-state patients use the visiting-patient card instead.
• Be at least 18 years old. Minors may be registered with a custodial parent or guardian as caregiver.
• Have a diagnosis matching one of the 18 qualifying conditions.
• Not be a member of the Arkansas National Guard or U.S. military — a statutory carve-out bars uniformed military and Guard personnel from cardholding.
• Not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Federal regulations prohibit CDL holders from using cannabis regardless of state law.

Step 1: Confirm Arkansas Residency

Arkansas residency is verified using an Arkansas-issued driver’s license or state ID. If you have recently moved to Arkansas, update your ID with the Arkansas DFA before applying. Out-of-state IDs are rejected. Patients without Arkansas residency should review the 30-day visiting-patient card.

Step 2: Get a Physician Certification

An Arkansas-licensed M.D. or D.O. with a federal DEA registration must evaluate your medical history and, if appropriate, sign the official ADH physician written certification stating you have a qualifying condition. Important Arkansas-specific rules:

• Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) cannot certify in Arkansas. M.D. or D.O. only.
• The certification is valid for 30 days from the date of signing. If ADH receives the application after 30 days, the certification is rejected.
• The physician must have a bona fide patient-physician relationship under Arkansas State Medical Board rules.

Telehealth Is Permitted

Arkansas State Medical Board telehealth rules permit Arkansas-licensed M.D.s and D.O.s to certify Amendment 98 patients via video consultation. Most patients now obtain certification this way. Typical telehealth visits run $150–$250 and last 15–30 minutes; the practitioner reviews documentation, confirms qualifying-condition status, and signs the official ADH certification form.

What to Bring to the Visit

• Your Arkansas ID
• Treating-provider records confirming the qualifying diagnosis
• For symptom pathways (intractable pain, severe nausea): documentation of the underlying chronic disease and treatment history (six months minimum for intractable pain)
• VA records or specialist notes (for PTSD or named diseases)
• Current medication list

Step 3: File Through the ADH Portal

Create an account at mmj.adh.arkansas.gov and submit your application. During registration upload:

• The signed physician written certification (dated within the past 30 days)
• A copy of your Arkansas driver’s license or state ID
• A passport-style photo
• Caregiver information (required for minors; optional for adults)

Step 4: Pay the $50 ADH Fee

The ADH application fee is $50 non-refundable, paid online through the portal. Renewal is also $50 annually. Total first-year out-of-pocket is typically $200–$300 (ADH fee + telehealth or in-person certification). The card is valid for 1 year from issuance. See the cost & renewal page for a complete breakdown.

Step 5: Receive Your Card

ADH processes applications within up to 14 days. There is no temporary card in Arkansas — you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail. Once approved, the patient receives a physical Arkansas Medical Marijuana Patient Identification Card by mail, valid 1 year. You can begin purchasing only after the physical card arrives.

Patients can register and renew their Arkansas medical marijuana card online through the ADH Medical Marijuana Section patient portal.

Arkansas Department of Health — Medical Marijuana Patient Portal

Common Reasons for Application Denial or Delay

• Expired certification. The practitioner’s signature is older than 30 days when ADH receives the application.
• Out-of-state physician. Only Arkansas-licensed M.D.s or D.O.s with federal DEA registration may certify.
• PA or NP certification. Not authorized in Arkansas.
• Out-of-state residency. Arkansas ID required.
• Mismatched information. Names on certification, ID, and application must match.
• Non-qualifying diagnosis. Certifications listing anxiety, ADHD, or depression alone are rejected.
• Military/National Guard status. Statutorily barred.

Special Cases

Patients Under 18

A custodial parent or legal guardian must register as the patient’s designated caregiver. The caregiver acquires, possesses, and administers cannabis on behalf of the minor. Both the minor and caregiver are registered. See caregivers page.

Caregivers for Adult Patients

Adult patients may designate caregivers; caregivers may serve up to five qualifying patients (more if all family). Caregivers must be 21+, hold no excluded felony, and pass a $34 background check.

Contact ADH

• Phone: (501) 682-4982
• Portal: mmj.adh.arkansas.gov
• Mailing address: 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 4, Little Rock, AR 72205

Next Steps

• Review the 18 qualifying conditions.
• See full cost and renewal breakdown.
• Out-of-state visitors: see 30-day visiting-patient card.