Following the enactment of Amendment 98 in November 2016, medical cannabis has been legalized in Arkansas for patients with particular diseases. Minors (less than 18 years old) can only be eligible under specific circumstances involving registered caregivers, whereas individuals who are 18 years of age or older can apply for a registry card directly.  From qualification criteria to registration and compliance, this article provides all the details Arkansas parents and guardians need to grasp about medicinal marijuana access for minors.

Having an Understanding of the Law: Medical Marijuana in Arkansas

Amendment 98, at times called the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act of 2016, established the legal basis for medicinal marijuana in Arkansas by providing people with verified medical conditions the right to obtain cannabis.

The law allows two key pathways:

• Registration for and usage of medicinal cannabis are open to adults (18+).
• Only with parental or guardian involvement and, most importantly, with a registered designated caregiver to buy and administer the medication, can minors (less than 18) obtain cannabis.

Who Is Eligible to Be a Minor Patient?

If a minor meets these requirements, they could potentially be eligible for a medical marijuana card:

• Under 18 years old.
• Diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions (such as cancer, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, ALS, severe arthritis, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, severe nausea, cachexia, peripheral neuropathy, etc.) 
• Obtain a written certification attesting to the appropriateness of the diagnosis and treatment from a certified Arkansas MD or DO. 
• A parent or legal guardian who is giving consent to serve as the caregiver.

What is a Designated Caregiver?

The adult who is legally in charge of acquiring, owning, distributing, and supporting a minor’s use of medicinal marijuana is known as a designated caregiver. Important rules consist of:

• You must be a resident of Arkansas and be at least 21 years old.
• Apply through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and comply with the following steps:

1. $50 registry card fee.
2. Criminal background check—although minors’ parents or guardians are not subject to criminal checks
3. Only purchase up to 2.5 ounces per 14 days on behalf of the minor 
4. Cannot consume the cannabis themselves or share it with others 

How to Obtain Certification for a Minor

A. Physician Evaluation

The minor must be evaluated in person by parents with an Arkansas-licensed doctor or a doctor’s assistant who has:

• A valid DEA-controlled-substances license.
• An established patient-provider relationship with the minor.
• Completed the official Arkansas Department of Health Certification Form, indicating the patient’s status as “under 18,” selecting a caregiver, stating the illnesses, and specifying the recommended duration of the card.

This certification is valid for 30 days from issuance. 

B. Submitting Applications

Once certified:

Minor’s caregiver completes:

• Medical Marijuana Patient Registry Application (for the minor).
• Caregiver Registry Application, for themselves.
• Submit forms, proof of residency (Arkansas ID), physician certification, and:
• $50 for the patient card
• $50 for the caregiver card
• Applications processed in ~10–14 business days 

After approval, both minor and caregiver receive registry ID cards valid up to one year (or shorter per physician’s recommendation) 

What Minors Are Allowed to Possess/Gain

Under Arkansas law:

• The caregiver purchases and possesses up to 2.5 ounces in 14 days for the minor 
• The minor never holds or purchases cannabis—this is strictly caregiver-managed 
• Arkansas MMJ Card
• Home cultivation remains illegal; all cannabis must come from licensed dispensaries. 

Conditions That Qualify a Minor

Many pediatric conditions are acknowledged under Arkansas law, including but not limited to:

A minor has to be diagnosed with at least one of the following conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Tourette’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia (wasting syndrome), peripheral neuropathy, intractable pain that has not been relieved for more than six months, severe nausea, seizures (including epilepsy), severe and persistent muscle spasms (like those caused by MS), or any other condition that has been officially approved by the ADH.

Practical Process: Step‑by‑Step for Parents

• Gather medical documentation confirming qa ualifying condition.
• Schedule an in‑person evaluation with an MMJ‑friendly physician.
• Physician completes the certification form, marking the caregiver designation.
• Submit minor’s patient application ($50) + caregiver application ($50).
• Wait 10–14 business days.
• Caregiver collects MMJ from licensed dispensaries and administers per medical plan.

Rules and Compliance

To stay within Missouri’s law:

• Secure storage: always keep cannabis in a child-proof container, away from minors or unauthorized people 
• No public consumption, and never in vehicle or school environments 
• Only labeled, tested products from licensed dispensaries can be used 
• Monitor and track quantities received and used—ADH may audit patient/caregiver logs.
• Renew cards annually with updated certification (or sooner if recommended by physician) 
• armedicinalmarijuana.com
• Telehealth restrictions: initial certification for minors must be in-person, though subsequent recertifications may use telehealth 

Telehealth vs In‑Person Notes

Arkansas law disallows telemedicine for initial certifications, requiring first-time visits to be in-person. Recertifications may occur via telehealth, but minors must have that first face-to-face physician visit.

FAQs

Can a parent with a felony serve as a caregiver?

Yes—parents/guardians of minors are exempt from felony background checks 

Can dispensaries limit product types to minors?

Though some restrict minors to non-flower products (e.g., tinctures), state law does not explicitly ban flower for under‑21 patients. However, dispensary policies vary.

Are medical cannabis cards valid out of state?

Only Arkansas cards are valid for in-state dispensaries. Other states may offer visitor passes 

Why Caregiver Compliance Matters

The caregiver acts with responsibility that, when mishandled, may lead to:

• Legal exposure if cannabis isn’t securely stored.
• Civil penalties for improper dispensing or possession.
• Revocation of caregiver privileges due to misuse.
• The corresponding minor’s card may be suspended.
• Keeping detailed logs, securing all products, and using child-proof containers are best practices. 

Renewal and Maintaining Use

• Cards are valid up to one year (or shorter, per physician).
• Recertification includes an updated evaluation and physician form.
• Telehealth recertifications permitted after initial visit 
• Process mirrors initial application: updated forms, IDs, $50 fee, typically within 14 days.

Final Thoughts

Although Arkansas acknowledges the potential advantages of medical cannabis for children and teens with serious health conditions, it calls for a regulated, law-abiding strategy that involves caregiver supervision. Families can achieve safe, effective care and legal protection by establishing initial associations with skilled doctors, acquiring the necessary certification, and diligently following caregiver requirements.