ARKANSAS, USA — On Jan. 12, the ballot committee Arkansans for Patient Access (APA) submitted a proposal to increase access to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana program, created in 2016 after voters approved Amendment 98.
“The goal of this ballot proposal is to reaffirm and build upon Amendment 98 to serve patients better,” said Amy Martin, owner of The Greenery dispensary in Fort Smith. “This amendment reflects a commitment to the principles established by the state’s voters. It reduces barriers and streamlines processes so qualifying patients can access the medicines and treatment options that best serve them."
The 2024 Patient Access Amendment includes changes to definitions, eligibility criteria, and regulations. To improve access, particularly for Arkansans living in rural areas where primary care physicians are often limited, the amendment expands the definition of “health care practitioner” to broaden the range of qualified medical professionals who can provide written certifications.
It will also allow patients to be assessed and certified by a qualified provider via telemedicine.
Notably, the amendment empowers healthcare practitioners to decide on the best medical course of treatment in concert with patients.
The amendment also extends the validity of patient cards from one to three years, removing the need for annual medical certifications and annual card fees, and reducing patient costs.
Additional amendments cover issues such as cultivation for personal use and confidentiality of patient records.
Amendments to specific sections of current law are a response to evolving patient needs and demonstrate a commitment to refining the regulatory framework for medical cannabis.
“The passage of this amendment is a step toward creating a more compassionate and patient-focused healthcare system in Arkansas,” Martin said.
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