Become a Patient

Whether you’re new to medical cannabis or renewing your card, we’re here to help make the process easier. Below you’ll find step-by-step resources for becoming a patient in Arkansas, including state requirements, trusted providers, and upcoming patient drive opportunities.

Your guide to getting a medical cannabis card

What is a Patient Drive?

Our Patient Drives are community events designed to make it simple, affordable, and accessible for qualified patients to get certified for medical cannabis. These events bring licensed practitioners into local venues across Arkansas so you can complete your consultation and paperwork all in one convenient stop.

Find a Patient Drive Near You

Pre-register today to secure your medical cannabis certification appointment.


How it works

  1. Pre-Register Online – Complete a short form and upload your required documents before the event to save time.

  2. Attend Your Appointment – Bring your photo ID and any medical records or prior cannabis card documentation (if renewing).

  3. Consult With a Practitioner – You’ll meet one-on-one with a licensed practitioner who will review your information and answer questions.

  4. Complete the Process – Pay the practitioner’s certification fee directly. After your consultation, you’ll be ready to submit your state application and pay the state’s processing fee separately.


What to Expect

  • Appointments typically take 15–20 minutes per patient.

  • All events run from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

  • Practitioners provide receipts, documentation, and secure handling of patient records.

  • Each venue has designated space for consultations.


Why Patient Drives?

  • Convenience: Multiple locations and dates to choose from.

  • Accessibility: Affordable, streamlined process close to home.

Arkansas Patient Resources

  • State application fee: $50 (non-refundable) for a patient card. 

    Physician visit/consult: Varies (often $100-$250 depending on provider).

  • You must:
    Be 18+ (or a minor with a parent/guardian caregiver). 

    Be an Arkansas resident with valid ID. 

    Have a qualifying medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Qualifying conditions include:

    • Cancer

    • Glaucoma

    • Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome

    • Hepatitis C

    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

    • Tourette’s syndrome

    • Crohn’s disease

    • Ulcerative colitis

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder

    • Severe arthritis

    • Fibromyalgia

    • Alzheimer’s disease

    • Cachexia or wasting syndrome

    • Peripheral neuropathy

    • Intractable pain which is pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment, or surgical measures for more than six (6) months

    • Severe nausea

    • Seizures including without limitation those characteristic of epilepsy

    • Severe and persistent muscle spasms including without limitation those characteristic of multiple sclerosis

  • Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your health and obtain a written medical marijuana certification. 

    Create an account and apply online through the Arkansas Department of Health medical marijuana portal.

    Submit your certification, state ID, and pay the $50 fee. 

    State reviews the application (typically up to ~14 days). 

    Receive your card and access products at licensed dispensaries.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the process or need help registering for an upcoming patient drive, our team is here to make it easy. Just fill out the form below and tell us what you need — whether it’s help finding an event near you, understanding what to bring, or walking through the registration steps, we’ve got you covered.

Speakeasy Dispensary does not provide medical advice and is not involved in the patient certification process. Program details, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Please refer to official state resources for the most current information.

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