Can I Travel To Arkansas With Cannabis?
No, federal law prohibits the transportation of marijuana across state lines. Doesn’t matter if you have a medical card in your home state or purchased cannabis from a recreational dispensary — you cannot travel to Arkansas with marijuana.
With the influx of tourists visiting from all around the country, Arkansas natives are bound to see a few out-of-towners hoping to use cannabis during their travels. But the last thing any prospective visitor wants is legal trouble with Arkansas law enforcement. A court case and charges in your home state is bad, anywhere else can feel like a nightmare.
Outside of Governor Sanders dissent, the majority of gubernatorial candidates express indifference towards recreational marijuana, stating if the AR residents want the option, they’ll vote accordingly. The laws may change in the future, but these are the current guidelines for visitors.
How To Avoid Legal Trouble With Cannabis In Arkansas
Arkansas has legalized medical cannabis and residents can speak with their physician about qualifying for a medical card. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal. Now, this can become confusing for patients, residents, and travelers alike. How strict are the laws?
Very strict. Arkansas is not a state to feign incompetence about the local laws. Do not travel with any cannabis product, whether purchased medically or recreationally in a legal state.
“But it’s not illegal in my home state!” is not an excuse for traveling with marijuana. Medical patients, you cannot bring cannabis on your travels either. However, that doesn’t mean you necessarily will go without cannabis treatment while visiting Arkansas.
What Can Medical Marijuana Patients Do When Traveling To Arkansas?
If you are an out-of-state tourist looking to travel while maintaining access to medical marijuana, there is a safe, legal way to do so in Arkansas:
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Do you have a medical marijuana card issued in another state? If no, you will not legally be allowed to use cannabis in Arkansas.
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Do you have an existing condition that qualifies for medical marijuana treatment in Arkansas? See the list of current approved conditions for medical card applications. If you are not diagnosed with an approved health condition in AR, regardless of your out-of-state medical card, you will not be permitted to use cannabis.
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If yes, you must file an application through the Arkansas Department of Health for a temporary visiting patient card. Submit the $50 fee and apply at least two weeks ahead of travel.
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If approved by the Department of Health, tourists may legally purchase medical cannabis in Arkansas dispensaries for 90 days.
It’s that easy to obtain safe, legal, medical marijuana. Visitors just need to prepare ahead of time, so that way they are approved prior to their arrival and may visit a dispensary upon entering the state.
Caught With Cannabis? Call (479) 434-2414 For Consultation
If you traveled to Arkansas with marijuana and are facing legal trouble, the criminal defense team at Hickey & Hull wants to help you. Our offices are located in five locations across the state, so residents and travelers alike can find their nearest location for a consultation.
Phone problems? Not to worry, our online agent is available to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience. Let our professionals help you navigate state laws and work towards putting these legal troubles behind you.