Historically, the cannabis laws in Arkansas have been very strict, with small use and possession being misdemeanors. However, just recently voters approved a measure to legalize medical cannabis, with qualified patients allowed access to cannabis to help in the treatment of 17 conditions.
CBD from Hemp Oil in Arkansas
Hemp CBD oil is federally legal in the U.S. Individual state laws, however, are dynamic and some states have and will enact their own laws regulating hemp-derived CBD.
Medical Cannabis in Arkansas
With the support of 53 percent of voters, Arkansas passed Issue 6 in November 2016 to legalize medical cannabis. Issue 6, also known as the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, establishes a system for the cultivation, acquisition and distribution of cannabis for qualifying patients. Patients must have a written certification from a licensed physician in the state to acquire access to cannabis for medical purposes. Home cultivation is not permitted.
The following conditions have been approved under the law:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Severe Arthritis
- Ulcerative Colitis
Additionally, medicinal cannabis can be recommended for any chronic or debilitating medical condition that produces:
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Intractable Pain
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Severe Nausea
- Seizures
- Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms
The Department of Health can also approve medical marijuana for any other medical condition or its treatment.
You can find the Arkansas Department of Health Medical Marijuana website here.
Recreational Cannabis in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the possession, use, cultivation, and transport of less than 4 ounces of cannabis is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year in jail and $2500 in fines. However, anything beyond 4 ounces is considered felony and can lead to 6 to 30 years of imprisonment, and fines from $10,000 to $15,000.
Citizens of Eureka Springs and Fayetteville have voted to make adult cannabis possession offenses the lowest law enforcement priority. Cannabis continues to be illegal in those two cities, but police officers and other law officials don’t make enforcing cannabis laws a top priority.
Cultivation of Cannabis in Arkansas
The cultivation of cannabis for recreational, medical, or research purposes is illegal in Arkansas.
Resources:
- https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_Medical_Marijuana_Amendment,_Issue_6_(2016)
- http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881
- http://norml.org/laws/item/arkansas-penalties
