Qualified patients should expect to pay different prices for medical marijuana across dispensaries in Arkansas. The cost of medical cannabis varies by location, cannabis strain, the quality of the marijuana sold, and the marijuana product formulation chosen. Generally, the average price of 1 ounce of high quality marijuana in Arkansas is $331 while the same amount of medium quality cannabis costs $240.
No. With US banks and credit cards refusing to process marijuana-related transactions, marijuana dispensaries usually do not accept credit card payments. To buy medical marijuana at a dispensary in Arkansas, you must pay for your order in cash (if visiting a dispensary) or with a debit card or mobile payment apps (when ordering online).
Yes. Arkansas charges a 6.5% sales tax on each medical marijuana purchase. In addition, the state also levies a 4% excise tax on each order of medical marijuana sold to a dispensary by a cultivator. While the excise tax was meant to sunset in July 2023, the Arkansas legislature extended it by 2 years to help keep funding the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ cancer center as they work towards attaining an NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation.
Recreational marijuana is currently illegal in Arkansas. Therefore, the only form of marijuana available for legal sales in the state is medical cannabis.
Arkansas does not have a state-run program offering discounted medical marijuana to any group of eligible patients. The state also does not permit qualified patients, or their caregivers, to grow marijuana at home for personal use. However, Arkansas patients can still save money on the cost of medical marijuana by taking advantage of various dispensary promotions. Medical cannabis dispensaries often run periodic sales and offer special discounts for new shoppers. Some of them have loyalty programs to reward repeat buyers and regular customers.
Patients can also spend less on medical marijuana if they switch from smokable forms of cannabis to edibles. Edibles have gentler and longer-lasting effects that may provide better relief for symptoms like pain, depression, and insomnia. Another to lower your medical marijuana bill is to try taking lower doses. For some patients, lower doses provide similar benefits as their regular doses. Lastly, visit other Arkansas medical cannabis dispensaries near you to see if they offer better selections or more affordable products. Comparing menus and prices in this way can help you get a better deal on your preferred medical cannabis product.