Sorry Texans: Medical marijuana still out of reach across state line

There has been a lot of speculation on social media about what medical marijuana will mean to Arkansas and, specifically, the Twin Cities.
The state line has always put the two Texarkanas in a unique situation, especially when it came to law enforcement. For example, for years the east side of the line was wet and the west was dry. Things have loosened up a bit in Bowie County in the past few years, but the Arkansas side still has a hold on hard liquor for retail sales.
And many can remember when the drinking age was 21 in Arkansas, but crossing State Line Avenue made it legal to indulge at 18.
So what does legal medical marijuana mean for the state line city?
Well, if you are a Texas resident and think you will soon be buying legal pot on the Arkansas side-as some on Facebook seem to believe-you have a surprise coming.
Marijuana for any purpose remains illegal in Texas and under federal law. Doctors have to be licensed in Arkansas to give the OK, and only Arkansas residents can obtain the medical marijuana card that allows them to buy in a legal dispensary.
Those who live in a state where medical marijuana is already legal, such as California and Nevada, and have a valid card from their home state will be allowed to buy in Arkansas. But Texas doesn't allow medical marijuana. So if you are a Texas resident you are out of luck no matter what your medical needs. And we should add that mere possession is still illegal in Texas, and taking marijuana across state lines is not just a state but a federal offense.
Until Texas legalizes medical pot, there is simply no legal way for a resident of the Lone Star State to access the Arkansas dispensaries.

Upcoming Events