Drive-Thru Dispensaries in Arkansas Face Setback After Governor’s Veto

Medical marijuana patients in Arkansas were on the verge of gaining a major convenience with the introduction of drive-thru dispensaries, but that plan has hit a roadblock. Despite legislative approval, the effort to bring drive-thru medical marijuana access to the state has been halted, at least for now, by a veto from Governor Sarah Sanders.

What Happened?

Earlier this month, Arkansas lawmakers passed House Bill 1889, a measure aimed at modernizing the state’s medical marijuana system. The bill narrowly cleared both chambers of the legislature, passing the House with the bare minimum of 51 votes and the Senate with 19 votes, just above the 18-vote threshold.

Backed by the Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association, the bill proposed several reforms:

• Drive-thru dispensary windows, designed to improve access for patients with mobility challenges

• Single-staff deliveries, allowing one employee to make deliveries in GPS-tracked, camera-equipped vehicles

• Guided dispensary tours for invited guests, mirroring previous legislation allowing cultivation site tours

Supporters argued that these updates would streamline services, improve efficiency, and provide much-needed flexibility for patients and dispensaries alike.

Governor Sanders Vetoes the Bill

However, on April 16, Governor Sarah Sanders vetoed House Bill 1889, citing concerns over patient safety, regulatory oversight, and potential misuse of the system. In her official veto letter, Sanders stated that while she supports patient access, the bill lacked sufficient safeguards and opened the door for regulatory loopholes.

This decision puts the brakes on the rollout of drive-thru dispensaries and other provisions. The Arkansas legislature has the option to override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, but it’s unclear whether there’s enough support to do so.

What’s Next for Arkansas Medical Marijuana?

The veto represents a significant moment in Arkansas’s evolving medical marijuana landscape. While the proposed drive-thru model offered a new level of convenience, especially for patients with disabilities, the path forward is now uncertain. Industry advocates may revise the legislation to address the governor’s concerns or prepare for another push in a future session.

For now, Arkansas medical marijuana patients can visit existing in-store options, at least until lawmakers revisit the issue.

Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice in Arkansas

Arkansas remains steadfast in its commitment to medical marijuana as the state's only legal marijuana program, clearly outlined by current state laws. While Arkansas does not permit recreational marijuana, medical marijuana is available for patients with qualifying conditions who hold an Arkansas medical marijuana card. 

For Arkansas residents, obtaining a medical marijuana card presents significant benefits beyond the legal accessibility of marijuana: legal protection from potential criminal charges, access to licensed dispensaries that ensure product quality and safety, professional medical guidance tailored to their conditions, and consistent dosage with safe products that adhere to strict state regulations. 

The proposed implementation of drive-thru marijuana dispensaries in Arkansas initially marked an exciting development in the state’s medical marijuana landscape. Patients and dispensaries alike anticipated greater convenience, improved accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, and enhanced operational efficiency. However, that momentum has now been paused.

Final Thoughts

With Governor Sanders' recent veto of House Bill 1889, the rollout of drive-thru medical marijuana services is no longer moving forward as originally planned. While the legislation received narrow approval in both legislative chambers, the governor’s rejection signals a halt to this expansion unless lawmakers successfully override the veto or introduce a revised version of the bill in a future session.

Arkansas’s decision to pause this initiative reflects the ongoing debate around how to best balance accessibility with regulatory control in the medical marijuana space. While many patients and advocates saw the bill as a forward-thinking step toward modernizing dispensary services, the governor’s concerns highlight the complex challenges of marijuana policy.

For now, Arkansas patients should continue utilizing existing in-store services and stay informed as the conversation around drive-thru dispensaries and delivery rules continues to evolve. This moment also underscores the importance of staying engaged with medical marijuana policy and maintaining a valid medical marijuana card to access legal treatment options.

While drive-thru dispensaries won’t be launching just yet, the discussion they sparked has clearly demonstrated a growing demand for more accessible and patient-friendly marijuana services in the state.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card! Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

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Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here