Arkansas Marijuana License

Arkansas voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 (Amendment 98). The Medical Marijuana Commission awards licenses, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division enforces the rules, and the Department of Health runs the patient registry.

Licenses are capped by the state constitution and commission rules, and almost all available licenses have been awarded. New licenses only come up when one is surrendered or revoked, so most entrepreneurs enter by buying into an existing business.

• Cultivation facility: 4 to 8 licenses statewide
• Dispensary: 20 to 40 licenses across 8 zones, with no more than 4 in any county
• Dispensaries may also hold a cultivation permit to grow limited amounts

• At least 60% Arkansas resident ownership, with residency for the past 7 years
• Background checks; no owner with a disqualifying felony
• Location at least 3,000 feet (cultivation) or 1,500 feet (dispensary) from schools, churches and daycares
• Proof of financial resources and a performance bond

• Cultivation: $15,000 application fee (half refunded if not selected), $100,000 license fee, $100,000 annual renewal, $500,000 performance bond
• Dispensary: $7,500 application fee (half refunded if not selected), $15,000 license fee, $22,500 annual renewal, $100,000 performance bond

1. Confirm whether the commission has opened a round for an available license.
2. Form an entity that meets residency rules and secure a compliant location.
3. Submit your application, fee and proof of financial capacity.
4. If selected, pay the license fee and post the performance bond within the deadline.
5. Pass ABC inspection before opening.

• Medical use only
• Patients may buy up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days
• No home cultivation
• Advertising and packaging rules apply

• Arkansas resident with a qualifying condition, such as cancer, PTSD, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, intractable pain and others
• Written certification from a physician

1. Get a written certification from a physician.
2. Apply to the Arkansas Department of Health and pay the $50 fee.
3. Receive your registry ID card.