Arkansas Marijuana Compliance
In Arkansas, medicinal marijuana is legal for patients that meet certain requirements. However, Arkansas marijuana compliance laws still consider recreational marijuana illegal in the state.
Medical marijuana patients and caregivers in Arkansas can't be discriminated against at work just because they have a card. That said, not every use is protected. Covered employers can still enforce lawful drug-free workplace policies and take action for marijuana possession, use, or impairment at work. They may also exclude someone from a safety-sensitive position when they have a good-faith belief that the person currently uses marijuana.
Arkansas residents must become familiar with marijuana state vs. federal laws. Like the state of Arkansas, federal recreational marijuana laws also consider the drug illegal.
Medical marijuana users and their employers must educate themselves on medicinal marijuana laws in Arkansas.
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Arkansas marijuana compliance.
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This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Arkansas Marijuana Compliance
Arkansas Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Partially Legal
Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas for qualifying patients who follow the state program's rules. Recreational marijuana remains illegal.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients in Arkansas. To qualify, patients must live in Arkansas, have a qualifying medical condition, obtain a physician's written certification, and receive a registry identification card. Adults can apply starting at age 18. Patients under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to apply as their caregiver.
Decriminalized: No
Arkansas has not decriminalized recreational marijuana possession statewide. Penalties depend on how much a person has and their previous convictions. Smaller amounts often carry misdemeanor penalties, while larger amounts can mean felony charges.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
Recreational marijuana use in Arkansas is illegal, and there are no current recreational marijuana laws in the state allowing general adult use.
Last updated 10/27/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas recreational marijuana laws consider recreational marijuana fully illegal. Possession of under four ounces, if it's a first offense, is punishable by up to a year in prison. Medicinal marijuana is legal in Arkansas for qualifying patients that follow the Arkansas marijuana compliance guidelines.
Are there any unique laws about marijuana in Arkansas?
Having 500 pounds or more of unauthorized marijuana counts as trafficking in Arkansas, based on just the amount alone. That's a Class Y felony, which means prison time of 10-40 years or even life.
What is Arkansas' history with marijuana?
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 approved marijuana use for seriously ill patients that meet certain requirements in the state. Qualified patients in Arkansas can obtain a doctor's order for medicinal marijuana and safely obtain the drug for medical purposes.
In 2019, Arkansas marijuana laws specified that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) obtained from hemp are not considered marijuana.
What is the punishment for possession in Arkansas?
Penalties for unauthorized possession depend on two things: the amount of marijuana involved, and the person's prior convictions.
- Less than four ounces: You're generally looking at a Class A misdemeanor, which means up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500 or both.
- At least one ounce but less than four ounces with a record: With repeat convictions, it can get more serious. Someone with at least four prior convictions can get a Class D felony.
- At least four ounces but less than ten pounds: This is a Class D felony even for a first offense, with up to six years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Ten pounds and more: Possession of at least ten but less than twenty-five pounds is a Class C felony; at least twenty-five but less than one hundred pounds is a Class B felony; and at least one hundred but less than five hundred pounds is a Class A felony.
Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing
If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:
For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.