Looking for an effective way to treat your chronic physical health conditions such as PTSD, Chron’s disease and severe arthritis? Medical marijuana has proven to be successful and is legal within the state of Arkansas when you have a medical marijuana card. This card will allow you to purchase from a Fort Smith dispensary. 

Getting a medical marijuana card in Arkansas might seem like a confusing process, but it’s actually easier than you’d think. Here are the simple steps to obtaining it within 10 – 14 days.

Fort Smith Medical Marijuana Cards

The process can be a bit overwhelming, but Elevate Holistics helps to simplify the entire process through an online process. If you’re suffering from chronic health conditions, you can easily get your medical marijuana card for $50 and purchase it from a dispensary, Fort Smith AR in about two weeks. 

Is medical marijuana legal in Fort Smith?

After a failed medical cannabis initiative in 2012, medical marijuana was finally made legal in Arkansas in 2016. Qualifying individuals can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days from a Fort Smith dispensary. 

The Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Initiative is trying to legalize recreational marijuana use for individuals over the age of 21. Don’t be surprised if you see this amendment on the November 8, 2022 ballot.

What are the qualifying conditions?

The list of qualifying conditions isn’t as extensive as in other states. But you’ll find that the list of conditions that qualify you for an Arkansas medical card includes cancer, Crohn’s disease, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, and PTSD just to name a few. You’ll need to discuss your condition with your doctor to see if you qualify.

How to get a medical card in Fort Smith

The requirements for an Arkansas medical marijuana card are pretty straightforward, but it’s important that you know what they are before you get started. You must be over the age of 18, with a qualifying medical condition and a written certification of approval from a physician. You’ll need an Arkansas-issued driver’s license or state ID. 

You will not be able to get a medical card if you are in the United States military or the Arkansas National Guard. 

The first step to getting a medical marijuana card in Fort Smith is to schedule an appointment with your doctor’s office. Your doctor will need to verify that you have one of the qualifying conditions and provide you with an official written certification in order to complete the application.

Once you receive your written certification you’ll be able to start the application process. You have two different options, you can choose to print the application and fill them out, and then mail them. Or you can apply online, by creating an account on the official Healthy Arkansas website. Regardless of which method you select, be sure that you have all of the necessary information or your application will be incomplete and you’ll be denied. Here’s what you’ll need, your state-issued license or ID, SSN number, written certification, and $50 for a non-refundable application fee. 

How long does the process take?

You’ll be able to check the status of your medical marijuana card within 14 days of completing the application. If approved you’ll simply print out your card from their portal or you can choose to have it mailed directly to your home. And you’ll be able to purchase from any Fort Smith dispensary.

Your Arkansas medical card will be valid for a year from the date it was issued or however long your doctor designated. It’s recommended that you renew your card 30 days before expiration. 

How much does a medical card cost?

The application fee to obtain your medical marijuana card in Fort Smith will cost a non-refundable fee of $50 for the year. But you’ll also need to pay for the visit with a medical marijuana doctor. Most health insurances will not cover the cost of these visits, so you’ll need to pay out of pocket for your visit. The cost of this visit will vary depending on the provider that you choose.

Caregivers and medical cards

As a caregiver in Fort Smith, Arkansas you are allowed to obtain medical marijuana cards for their patients or minors. To qualify for a caregiver medical card the individual you are giving care to must be either a minor or be physically disabled. 

The registration process is similar to that of the patient process, except you’ll need to be over the age of 21 and not convicted of an excluded felony offense. You’ll be required to pay an additional fee of $35 for a criminal background check. Although if you are the parent of a qualifying minor you will be required to complete a criminal history check.

The patient will need to get approval from the medical marijuana doctor before starting the application process. You’ll be able to complete the application online or print it out and mail it in. This process may take a little longer to get approved because of the criminal history check.

Where is there a medical marijuana doctor near me?

You’ll need to find a local medical marijuana doctor to write your certification. Arkansas does not keep a list of medical marijuana doctors, so you’ll need to find one on your own. Start by calling your current physician to find out if they are able to do this. If not, Elevate Holistic will be able to help. You have a ton of options when it comes to Fort Smith, AR medical doctors, and dispensaries, and Elevate Holistics can help you find a board-certified doctor to properly assess your condition and write your certification.

Fort Smith dispensaries

You won’t have any trouble locating a dispensary in Fort Smith AR. There are close to 33 medically licensed dispensaries located throughout the city and this list is continuing to grow. You’ll need to provide them with your ID along with the medical certification card that you printed out or had mailed to your home. 

You’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of products and purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days.