Arkansas Cannabis Laws
Medical only — recreational failed at the ballot in 2022.
At a Glance
What Visitors Need to Know
Arkansas is medical-only and recreational failed at the 2022 ballot. If you're visiting without an AR medical card, cannabis is illegal period. Dispensaries are for cardholders only. Possession for non-patients is a criminal offense. Not a cannabis-friendly state for tourists.
Major Cities
Little Rock has the most dispensaries in Arkansas. They're only accessible to valid medical patients. If you're visiting for other reasons, don't risk it — Arkansas enforcement is real.
Fayetteville has a University of Arkansas population that skews more progressive, but state law applies everywhere. A couple of dispensaries serve medical patients.
Fort Smith is near the Oklahoma border. Oklahoma is fully recreational — a drive across the border gets you legal access if you need it.
Dispensary hours, prices, and local rules change frequently. Always verify before visiting.
Legal Background
Arkansas voters approved medical cannabis in 2016 (Issue 6). Recreational legalization was on the 2022 ballot (Issue 4) but failed. Patients can possess up to 2.5 oz per 14-day period. No home cultivation is permitted. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission oversees licensing.
Official State Sources
- Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment (Issue 6, 2016) ↗
- Arkansas Code Title 20 — Public Health and Welfare ↗
State Agencies
Finding Local Rules
Arkansas medical program is state-controlled. Recreational is illegal statewide.
"cannabis ordinance" "adult use cannabis" "retail cannabis license"