Recommending Cannabis in Arkansas

Medical cannabis may be recommended either by a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. The doctor must be licensed in the state of Arkansas and have a current certification from the DEA to prescribe controlled substances. In recommending cannabis the doctor must certify that in the physician's professional opinion the patient has a qualifying condition that can be treated with medical cannabis. The form for the Arkansas Department of Heath Medical Marijuana Physician Certification is available here. The physician must review the patient's medical history and current medical condition in the course of a bona fide patient physician-relationship.

Physicians are not subject to criminal or civil penalties, including discipline from their professional licensing board solely for providing written certifications for medical cannabis. However, nothing in Arkansas law prevents a licensing board for taking action when a physician has committed malpractice.