Seven Things to Know About a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

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Seven Things to Know About a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas

Marijuana has been used in the field of medicine throughout history. However, its recreational use and misuse have divided people into two groups: the ones who are in favor of the legalization of marijuana and the others who are against it.

Fortunately, the people of Arkansas have been enjoying the medical benefits of marijuana since 2016. Many people cater to their healthcare problems and illnesses with medical marijuana through their state issues cards.

Here are a few things you must know if you are also considering applying for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas.

1. Qualifying Health Condition

Many pieces of research have shown the way medical marijuana helps relieve symptoms of so many health conditions. Hence, people with health conditions that can be improved by using medical marijuana can apply to be a part of the arkansas medical marijuana program. The list below shows some of the health conditions that make you eligible for the medical marijuana card in Arkansas.

  • Glaucoma
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Seizures
  • PTSD
  • Crohn’s Disease

However, it is important to remember that your word is insufficient to prove that you have a certain medical condition. You must obtain a written statement from a licensed doctor in Arkansas certifying that you have at least one or more medical conditions that can be relieved with marijuana.

2. Procedure to Apply

The process of applying for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas has been making it a lot easier for everyone. You must start by scheduling an appointment with a licensed doctor in Arkansas. They can look into your health-related problem and provide a medical marijuana certification after an in-person.

Once you get your hands on the certification, you can submit your application online or mail it to the Arkansas Department of Health. You can apply for a medical certification online via the Arkansas Medical Marijuana System. However, remember that telemedicine certifications are not accepted.

After that, you must remain patient, as it can take 14 days for the Arkansas Department of Health to process the application. Remember that you must be a permanent resident of Arkansas to apply for and receive your medical marijuana card in the state.

3. Consider the Costs

Patients, caregivers, and visitors have to pay a $50 application fee for an Arkansas medical marijuana card. If you are a patient out of state, you can refer to the ADH to get a visiting patient card with a 90-day validity. However, remember that the application fee is non-refundable.

You can submit the application fee via check or money order. You can also pay online through your credit or debit card. However, payments made through the American Express card are not acceptable. It is also important to remember that every medical marijuana card must be renewed after one year.

4. Access for Minors

The state of Arkansas realizes that tough health conditions are not limited to adults only. Of course, there are many illnesses and health issues that can be relieved with medical marijuana for minors as well. You can start by ensuring that the minor in question has a qualifying health condition to get a medical marijuana card. If yes, they must get a certification from a licensed physician in Arkansas.

However, it is important to remember that minors can only apply for a medical marijuana card with the consent of their parents or guardian.  They must register as a caregiver with the State of Medical Marijuana Program.

People who have recently turned 18 or above can easily apply for medical marijuana by themselves without the help or approval of a parent, caregiver, or guardian. You only need approval from an Arkansas-licensed physician to apply for a medical marijuana card.

5. Terms for Renewal

People who have already applied for a medical marijuana card do find the renewal process difficult at all. The renewal process is not very different from the application process for patients and caregivers. Cardholders can apply for renewal via mail or online. The renewal fee for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas is only $50.

However, you must remember that your access to medical marijuana stops as soon as your card expires. Hence, it is recommended by the state of Arkansas for patients and caregivers to apply for a medical marijuana card renewal at least 30 days before its expiration.

6. Designation of Caregivers

Provision for caregivers is allowed by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program. A caregiver is an individual designated to receive medical marijuana from the licensed dispensaries on behalf of a certified patient. These individuals are also allowed to administer medical marijuana to the patients.

However, qualifying as a medical marijuana caregiver has a few requirements. These requirements state that an aspiring caregiver must be at least 21 years old and a permanent resident of Arkansas. The patient must either be a minor or disabled to be able to have a caregiver.

In addition, the caregiver must not have any felony offenses on their record in the last 10 years before the application date. The caregiver cannot be a United States military member or the Arkansas Guard.

A medical marijuana caregiver may have multiple registered patients at a time, but they must obtain a separate caregiver card for every patient. A caregiver can also be a patient under the Arkansas medical marijuana program. However, it is illegal for caregivers to consume any medical marijuana from the registered patients.

7.     Privacy of Patients

The state of Arkansas understands the importance of privacy for every patient. Therefore, the records of patients benefiting from the medical marijuana program are always kept confidential and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The authorized employees of ADH may need to perform their official duties for the Arkansas medical marijuana program if disclosure is necessary. However, background checks do not reveal medical marijuana records in Arkansas.

However, employers are not allowed to fire their employees for testing positive for a drug test if they have a valid medical marijuana card or are not under the influence during work hours.

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