Arkansas patient cards take effect – but medical marijuana isn’t available here
On Friday, February 15th, medical marijuana ID cards went into effect in Arkasnas. But currently more than 7,000 patients can't get their medicine.
Medical marijuana is being sold just a minute's drive across the state line from Fort Smith in Oklahoma.
"I'm doing this because I want people to know that the veteran issue is real and this does help," said Stacey Storms.
Storms is a disabled veteran who lives in Oklahoma. She told 40/29 News she uses medica; marijuana to treat her PTSD and Storms said she hopes her fellow veterans in Arkansas don't have to wait much longer, "Without it I'm not able to function like most people, I'm prone to panic attacks if I'm around too many people and I'm also prone to severe depression that can trigger at any time," Storms added. "Our VA is having to struggle to find medications that help the veterans because they are trying to keep from giving them narcotics now, so, they have to have something that will help them."
The Wagon Hill Medical Warehouse in Pocola opened 2 weeks ago. The owners told 40/29 News they often hear from patients who live just minutes away, but in Arkansas.
"All the time, they're wanting their card they're trying to figure out how to get this done and it's people that really need it," Sherri Childress said. "Arkansas needs to get on the ball."
Arkansas pPatients with valid medical marijuana ID cards can apply for a temporary card in Oklahoma.
The cost is $100 and the cards expire after 30 days. According to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority website, once an application is reviewed and approved it takes approximately 14 days for the cards to be issued.