CBD in Arkansas: Official Buyers Guide
Since 2019, a derivative of hemp and marijuana plants, CBD oil has become a popular cure-all for many different ailments. With the legality of marijuana varying from state to state, how can you determine if CBD oil is safe and legal in Arkansas?
Hemp for Future is research-focused. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil derived from marijuana or hemp plants that may have specific health benefits. CBD oil has exploded in popularity in recent years as an effective treatment of cancer symptoms, Alzheimer's, neuropathy, glaucoma, HIV, and many other conditions.
The expansion of marijuana legalization across the United States has helped, but the main driving force is CBD's purported health benefits for chronic conditions. While not curative for most conditions, CBD can lessen the impact of the symptoms of the disease.
The main distinction between the two types of CBD oil is not what they can treat or how well they work, but in what plant they come from. Hemp plants are closely related to marijuana plants but contain less than 0.3% of THC, the high-inducing compound in marijuana.
Without the ability to cause users a chemical high, hemp plants offer a safer alternative to explore CBD's health benefits. In some cases, especially for pain management, users need the THC compound and require the marijuana-based alternative.
Although CBD is generally regarded as a safe alternative for most patients, the biggest risk to consumers is poor quality products, misinformation and bias. The best way to protect yourself against these to opt for the legal route via a medical marijuana card.
Buying CBD from a regulated dispensary is much safer than unknown third parties who are only loosely regulated as supplements by the Food and Drug Administration.
Best Places to Buy CBD in Arkansas in 2021
With a commitment to complete customer satisfaction and providing the highest quality CBD products available on the market today, Joy Organics is, without a doubt, all it is touted to be.
15% Coupon Code: 15CBDOFF
Charlotte's Web CBD is a full system of products, but they all contain the one key ingredient that makes this CBD such a fan favorite.
10% Coupon Code: CWEB10
FAB CBD's goal is to create the best products at very affordable prices. This CBD store has everything from CBD oil to CBD dog treats.
15% Coupon Code: COMEBACK15
Is CBD Legal in Arkansas?
CBD, the non-intoxicating chemical compound found in the marijuana plant that may have medicinal benefits, became legal in Arkansas in March 2019. After experiencing almost a 100-year hiatus, hemp and marijuana are making a comeback across the United States.
Marijuana and all of its associates became illegal in the early 1900s. At that time, there was little or no distinction between the THC-latent, high-inducing marijuana plants, and their closely related counterparts CBD and hemp.
In 1940 we discovered the chemical compound known as CBD, and as of 2019, its benefits are seen in how effectively it treats anxiety, cognition problems, and pain associated with various chronic conditions.
While recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Arkansas, hemp, CBD, and medical marijuana use are all accepted and legalized. Although it was not on the ballot in 2020, many believe that Arkansas will follow in many other states' footsteps to legalize recreational marijuana.
Marijuana-based CBD Oil vs. Hemp-based CBD Oil
CBD oil comes from either marijuana or industrial hemp plants. Both purport to have medicinal benefits.
However, popularity is new, and the science is limited. What we do know is that there are distinctly different laws based on the origins of the product.
Marijuana-based CBD is only legally available to medical marijuana cardholders. Individuals without a medical marijuana card may face serious fines or charges if caught with marijuana-based CBD oils or products.
Arkansas laws on hemp-based CBD oil are less clear. Specifically, there are no penalties listed for the possession of hemp or hemp derivatives containing less than 0.3% THC.
The distinction between the two puts the burden on consumers to responsibly source CBD in Arkansas.
Arkansas CBD Possession Limits
Individuals with a valid medical marijuana card may have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and derivatives at any time. Possession in excess of the legally defined limits or possession by a person without a valid medical card may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Generally Legal and Unrestricted Variations of CBD
Any restrictions placed on CBD or products made with CBD derive from the use of marijuana products and are governed by marijuana laws. However, the farm bill 2018 legalized industrial hemp as a separate agriculture product from marijuana.
It is important to note that even with a medical marijuana card, CBD and marijuana products are heavily controlled substances. There are possession limits for legal use and specific restrictions on when and where you can buy them.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Arkansas
Although 53% of residents voted in favor of medical marijuana use to treat a long list of chronic conditions, there are still plenty of hoops to jump through to get your card. The program is carefully monitored by the state and local physicians to maintain the integrity and prevent abuse.
The first step is to consult your physician. Any physician in good standing with the state medical board and a current-controlled substance license for the DEA is authorized to approve a medical marijuana card.
The catch is that you must have an established doctor-patient relationship with the prescribing doctor.
Print and take the appropriate form for a medical marijuana card to your appointment. During your appointment, the physician will perform an exam to verify that you have at least one qualifying condition. The physician will complete the form and return it to you to file.
The second step is to submit the certification form from your physician, along with your state ID and registration fee. The certification form is only valid for thirty days, so don't sit on this step for too long.
Once you receive your medical marijuana card, you can legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days from any state-run dispensary. This includes marijuana and all derivatives. The card is good for one calendar year and costs $50 to renew.
Recommended Partner
PrestoDoctor offers the greatest privacy and convenience while still offering fully qualified medical marijuana recommendations.
Get your recommendation from the comfort of your own home. Easy, fast, private.
Finding a Marijuana Dispensaries in Arkansas
The marijuana industry is growing in both medical and recreational markets thanks to widespread acceptance at the state levels. This means that there is no longer a need for back-alley transactions and underground networks. It is all out in the open.
Our favorite tool for finding dispensaries in Arkansas is a digital map resource specifically designed for dispensaries called WeedMaps. Think of this tool, like the Google maps version, for finding legal venues to purchase marijuana and CBD products.
From health and nutrition shops to marijuana connoisseurs, there is an expanding market for marijuana and CBD products in Arkansas. Most major cities in Arkansas have at least three to five dispensary options.
FAQ's
Below we answer some commonly asked questions surrounding the medical marijuana process to help you stay informed and safe.
The debate over age restrictions comes largely from the potential of marijuana-based products to produce intoxicating effects. In theory, hemp-based CBD oil should be available to users of any age, especially under the care of a qualified physician.
The legal age for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas is 18 years of age. While you can legally purchase and use hemp-based CBD oil at any age, the controversy surrounding its use in children means that most should follow the same marijuana-based CBD guidelines.
Arkansas does not have any laws on the books that are specific to growing marijuana plants. Outside of licensed medical marijuana grow facilities, the standard possession laws apply to marijuana in any form.
Possession of up to 4 ounces of marijuana (including plants) is a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2500 fine. Possession over 4 ounces is a felony charge punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A medical marijuana card does not permit home growing under any circumstances.
There are plenty of restrictions on where and how legal marijuana cardholders can partake. For starters, anywhere that prohibits smoking tobacco would also include presumptive restrictions for marijuana.
Additionally, any childcare or educational facility housing minors, including school buses, home daycares, preschools, primary and secondary schools, are all on the restricted list.
Healthcare facilities and social service facilities in public or private residences like foster care are also restricted.
The only avenue to legal growing in the state of Arkansas is to obtain a state-approved grow license. There are currently only five of these licenses available, given to vetted, legitimate grow operations.
In the future, additional licenses may be available if the demand for products exceeds the capacity of the current licensees.
There are no grow licenses available for home growing.
Next Steps
If you plan to stick to the hemp derivatives, a medical marijuana card is not legally required. However, this tidbit is not well known, so to protect yourself from confusion and ignorance, we recommend going the legal route.
If you are 18 years of age or older and suffer from at least one qualifying condition, the process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Arkansas is pretty straightforward.
You can get authorization through your regular physician, and with some paperwork and a modest fee, you can have a medical marijuana card in as little as 10 -14 days.
If you are curious about CBD oil, look at what conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas.Which CBD Oil is Right for You?
Take a quick quiz to find out!
Last Updated on November 27, 2020 by admin
