If you’re a medical cannabis user from another state with upcoming travel plans to Arkansas, there’s no need to leave your medicine behind on your trip, although simply showing your MMJ card from another state won’t get you any product at an Arkansas dispensary. Arkansas does not recognize MMJ cards from other states outright, but there is an option for visiting patients – the Visiting Patient Card is an Arkansas temporary registry card issued to qualifying out-of-state patients for legal MMJ possession and purchases during their time in Arkansas.
The good news? It’s all done online and not overly complicated.
What Is the Arkansas Visiting Patient Card?
The Visiting Patient Card is an emergency medical marijuana card provided by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), according to Amendment 98, which created the medical marijuana program in Arkansas. It is meant to provide patients who have already obtained a medical marijuana card (or the equivalent documentation) from another state with legal access to marijuana during their visit to Arkansas.
After issuance of the visiting patient card, the holder will have all the rights that the residents of Arkansas have. In particular, he/she will be able to purchase marijuana in any licensed dispensary in the state, as well as carry 2.5 ounces of the usable marijuana for no more than 14 days at once. However, it should be kept in mind that the card can last no more than 90 days after one application, and it cannot be renewed; thus, a new application will be required to obtain a card again after its expiration.
Who’s Eligible?
Before completing the application form, make sure that you fulfill the following two minimum criteria:
- You have a legal medical marijuana card or a comparable authorization issued by your home state. It could be either a physical card, a registration certificate issued by the state, or anything else that proves your status as a registered patient somewhere else.
- Your condition qualifies as one of those recognized in Arkansas. Currently, Arkansas recognizes 18 qualifying conditions as per Amendment 98, which include cancer, PTSD, epilepsy/seizures, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, intractable pain, and severe and persistent muscle spasms, among others. Should your condition be listed in your home state but not in Arkansas, you will fail to qualify for a visitor’s license.
Just to mention an exception: U.S. military members and Arkansas National Guard are ineligible for an Arkansas medical marijuana registry card, including a visiting patient card, as per 2017 legislation.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Visiting Patient Card
1. Gather Your Documents
Before you log on, have these ready:
A clear copy or photo of your out-of-state medical marijuana card (or your doctor’s written certification, if your state doesn’t issue a physical card)
A valid, government-issued photo ID
A debit or credit card to pay the application fee – American Express is not accepted
2. Head to the ADH Online Portal
Applications are processed through the Arkansas Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana ID Card application portal. Use the “Apply Online” option to access the patient registration website, where you can create an account.
3. Create Your Patient Registry Account
To register as a new user, enter a working email and password to confirm the account with the confirmation link sent by ADH.
4. Select “Visiting Patient” as Your Application Type
The most common mistake made during this process is registering as a standard resident patient applicant and not a visiting patient applicant.
5. Complete the Application and Upload Documents
Provide your own details along with the photos of your out-of-state medical marijuana card and your ID. The most frequent reason for rejection of an application is that you may provide blurry or partially-cropped pictures of your documents.
6. Sign and Pay the Application Fee
Electronically sign your application and submit the $50, non-refundable application fee by debit or credit card.
7. Wait for Processing
ADH provides a maximum of 14 days to process your application after they receive your fully submitted paperwork and fee. Incomplete applications or confusing uploads will result in your application being sent back to you; this starts the clock all over again, so be sure to apply well ahead of your visit rather than waiting until the week of.
8. Print (and Wait for) Your Card
Your approved application will generate an email notifying you that you need to log in to the portal and print your card. You will also receive a mailed copy of your card, and there is no digital version of your card in Arkansas at the moment, so you will need to either have your printed card or mailed card with you when visiting a dispensary.
9. Visit a Licensed Arkansas Dispensary
Visit any registered dispensary in Arkansas and bring along both your visiting patient card and photo identification. Your card is valid for 90 days from the date issued, and you are limited to 2.5 ounces per 14-day period.
Plan for a Smooth Trip
As processing may take up to two weeks, the main error that visitors make is applying for the card too close to their arrival date. If you know that you will be visiting Arkansas, apply for the card at the earliest possible moment. Your card will be ready to use when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to upload my out-of-state medical marijuana card?
Yes, because the visiting patient form for ADH would require that you prove your out-of-state authorization. You could present the card itself, the digital version from the registry of your home state, or any other kind of official documentation that proves your authorization.
How long is the visiting patient card valid?
90 days from the date it’s issued, per application. That window starts the day ADH approves and issues your card, not the day you submit your application, so keep that in mind when timing your trip.
Can I renew my visiting patient card?
No, it is not possible to renew visiting patient cards. You will have to resubmit a whole new application, resubmit your paperwork, and pay the fee again if you need to access medical marijuana for more than 90 days.
Can I use my home state’s card directly at an Arkansas dispensary?
No – Arkansas dispensaries cannot provide you with any medical marijuana products without having an Arkansas visiting patient card. You won’t be able to make a purchase using your home-state card.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the application is $50, and it is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the processing of your application. The fee cannot be refunded or lowered even if you come to Arkansas several times.
How long does approval take?
Processing of the application may take up to 14 days from the moment ADH has received all the information and the payment from you.
Resources
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/data-statistics-registries/medical-marijuana/faqs/