Arkansas Sees Fewer Medical Marijuana Applicants Than Expected

The Arkansas medical marijuana program has started rather smoothly. The state hasn’t received as many applications for medical marijuana cards as they expected. They’ve received just over 1,000 applications, according to Robert Brech, counsel for the Arkansas Department of Health (DOH).

Of the thousand or so applicants, 534 have been approved, according to THV 11 News. Originally, the DOH thought they’d receive 30,000 applications for medical marijuana cards. One small issue may be hindering enrollment.

Brech said, “There’s not a big rush for them, but I would encourage them to go ahead and apply as soon as possible, so they don’t get caught in the big rush once marijuana is available. We think we will get a lot of applications.”

Melissa Fults from Drug Policy Education Group thinks that more would apply if a small issue wasn’t in the way.

Fults said, “We don’t have anyone in Central Arkansas. The doctors, I don’t know if they’re afraid or they don’t understand it or they don’t want to understand it.”

There are 14 physicians statewide that are willing to write certifications for patients. Fults reports that patients mention on a daily basis that they can’t find a doctor that will write them a recommendation.

Fults said, “In the last 3 hours, I’ve probably gotten 15 calls. My phone rings constantly with patients saying, what can I do? Now, I’m afraid to talk to my doctor.”

The state still hasn’t received any applications for cultivation facilities or dispensaries, so no one is showing interest in growing or distributing medical marijuana in Arkansas yet.