Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Arthritis in Arkansas?

Arkansas qualifies severe arthritis for a medical marijuana card — and 'severe' is a determination your certifying physician makes based on your medical records, not a government checklist.

Arthritis is one of the most common reasons patients come into The Source for the first time. They've done the anti-inflammatories. They've had the cortisone shots. Some have had surgery. And they're still in pain. Here's where medical cannabis fits in Arkansas.

What 'severe arthritis' means under Arkansas law

Arkansas's Medical Marijuana Amendment lists 'severe arthritis' as a qualifying condition. The severity determination is made by your certifying physician based on your medical history — it's not defined by a specific test or government standard. In practice, patients with chronic, significantly limiting arthritis that affects daily function and hasn't responded well to conventional treatment are good candidates.

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may qualify, provided your physician determines the severity threshold is met. Your medical records documenting diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations are your most important documentation.

What to bring to your certification appointment

• Diagnosis records — rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, or primary care
• Treatment history — medications tried, physical therapy, injections, surgical records
• Imaging if available — X-rays, MRIs documenting joint damage or disease progression
• A clear description of how arthritis limits your daily function — this matters to a certifying physician

What the research suggests

Research on cannabis and arthritis pain is growing, though it remains limited by the small size of most studies. What the existing evidence suggests is that cannabis may be associated with reductions in pain intensity and improvements in sleep for some arthritis patients. CBD in particular has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, though clinical evidence in human arthritis patients is still developing.

Topicals are one of the most discussed options specifically for arthritis. Patients apply them directly to affected joints — knuckles, knees, hips, shoulders — and report localized relief without systemic effects. We sell a lot of topicals to arthritis patients at The Source. It's often people's first cannabis product, and it removes a lot of the hesitation around psychoactive effects.

How to get your Arkansas MMJ card for arthritis

1. Gather your records — diagnosis, treatment history, imaging if available.
2. Find a certifying physician. Your existing rheumatologist or orthopedic doctor may or may not certify for MMJ. MMJ-specific clinics and telehealth services are your most reliable option. You can find a licensed MMJ doctor here.‍
3. Apply through the Arkansas Department of Health portal. Upload your certification and AR ID, pay the $50 fee.
4. Receive your card in 10–14 days. Print your temporary digital card immediately on approval.

Products that may help with arthritis

• Topicals — direct application to affected joints, no psychoactive effect, lowest-barrier starting point
• CBD-dominant products — associated with potential anti-inflammatory properties; good for daytime use
• Full-spectrum tinctures — consistent dosing, longer-lasting effect, easier to titrate
• Indica-dominant strains — for evenings when joint pain and stiffness tend to worsen

If you're new to cannabis and not sure where to start, tell us which joints are giving you the most trouble. We'll point you in the right direction.

Ready to start?

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Amanda Strickland is CEO of The Source dispensary in Northwest Arkansas and creator of the Roots & Reefer documentary, magazine, and educational platform. This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.