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Medical — LegalNorth America

Arkansas

Arkansas voters approved the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment (Issue 6) in November 2016, making it the first Southern state to legalize medical cannabis through a ballot initiative. The program is administered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Department of Finance and Administration. As of March 2026, the state has approximately 115,275 active patient cardholders, with over 40 licensed dispensaries and eight licensed cultivators. Annual medical marijuana sales reached a record $291 million in 2025, with dispensaries selling over 79,000 pounds. Qualifying conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, Crohn's disease, and severe arthritis. A 2022 ballot measure for recreational legalization (Issue 4) was defeated. The program has become firmly established with steady patient growth continuing into 2026.

Ask the Expert about Arkansas
Regulator
Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Key Legislation
Ark. Const. Amend. 98
Year Legalized
2016
Program Size
~115,275 active patients

Key Facts

  • First Southern state to legalize medical cannabis through a ballot initiative
  • Record $291 million in annual medical cannabis sales in 2025
  • Over 40 licensed dispensaries and eight licensed cultivators
  • 2022 recreational legalization ballot measure (Issue 4) was defeated by voters
  • Patient registrations have grown steadily, surpassing 115,000 active cardholders in 2026

Key Legislation

Ark. Const. Amend. 98 (Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016)

Regulatory Body

Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

Country Info
ISO Code
US
Region
North America
Tier
Tier 2 — Emerging
Status
Medical — Legal
Sources
Arkansas Medical Marijuana ProgramArkansas Department of Health — Medical Marijuana Data
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.