Cannabis Laws in Arkansas: What You Need to Know

Arkansas has a well-established medical cannabis program serving over 115,000 patients, but like several of its neighbors, it draws a hard line on one thing: home cultivation is illegal for everyone in Arkansas, including registered medical patients.

Is Cannabis Legal in Arkansas?

Medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients under Amendment 98, approved by voters in November 2016 with 53% support. The program is jointly overseen by the Arkansas Department of Health, which manages patient registration, and the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which handles business licensing. Registered patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days and purchase from more than 40 licensed dispensaries statewide.

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Arkansas. Voters rejected a 2022 ballot measure (Issue 4) that would have legalized adult-use cannabis, with about 56% voting against it, and no new legalization effort is currently expected.

Home Cultivation Is Not Permitted — Even for Patients

Arkansas caps cultivation at just 8 licensed facilities statewide, and all medical cannabis must move through that licensed system to dispensaries — there's no path for patients or caregivers to grow their own plants. A 2024 ballot initiative that would have allowed some patients to grow up to 14 plants at home did not become law.

Cultivating cannabis outside the licensed system is a criminal offense in Arkansas, with penalties scaling based on quantity — from simple possession charges up to felony cultivation charges for larger operations. This applies equally to registered medical cardholders; there is no home-grow exception built into the medical program.

Where Things Stand in 2026

Arkansas's medical program has matured significantly since 2019, with steady growth in both dispensaries and registered patients. However, home cultivation has not gained legislative traction, and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has publicly opposed expanding cannabis access. Advocates have raised home-grow proposals in past sessions without success, and no active bill is expected to change that in the near term.

Arkansas's approach stands in contrast to neighboring states — Missouri, for example, allows registered adults to grow up to 6 flowering plants at home. Arkansas has no equivalent path for patients or consumers.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Cannabis laws change, and enforcement can vary. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas or the Arkansas Department of Health.