Medical Marijuana 101: Product Types Available at Arkansas’ Finest Dispensaries
Arkansas patients have access to more than just traditional cannabis flower. When you walk into an Arkansas’ Finest dispensary, you’ll see a mix of product types, each with different onset times, durations, and ways to consume.
This guide breaks down the major categories so you can have a better idea of what you’re looking at on the menu.
Flower (plant material)
What it is:
Dried cannabis flower (sometimes called “bud”) that can be smoked or vaporized using a flower vaporizer.
Why patients choose it:
Fast-acting effects
Easy to adjust your intake (small hits vs. larger sessions)
Familiar for people who are used to traditional cannabis
Things to know:
Arkansas patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in a 14-day period (including flower and equivalent products).
Patients under 21 have additional restrictions on inhaled/herbal forms; always use products as directed and according to Arkansas law.
Vapes & cartridges
What they are:
Cannabis oil in a cartridge or disposable device, used with a battery or pen.
Why patients choose them:
Discreet and portable
Fast onset (similar to flower when inhaled)
Less odor than smoking
Things to know:
Start with small, single inhales and wait a few minutes to see how you feel.
Check the THC percentage and any added terpenes or ingredients listed on the label.
Edibles
What they are:
Cannabis-infused products you eat, like gummies, chocolates, or other infused foods.
Why patients choose them:
No inhalation — good for patients who prefer not to smoke or vape
Longer-lasting effects
Pre-measured doses
Things to know:
Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2+ hours to kick in and effects can last several hours.
Always start low and go slow — many patients begin with a low dose (for example, 2.5–5 mg THC) and wait before taking more.
Don’t take more just because you “don’t feel it yet”—give it time.
Tinctures
What they are:
Liquid cannabis extracts taken by mouth, often under the tongue (sublingually) or mixed into food or drink.
Why patients choose them:
Easier to measure precise doses
More discreet than smoking or vaping
Can be made in different ratios of THC and CBD
Things to know:
Onset can be quicker than edibles for some patients, especially when held under the tongue, but slower than inhalation.
Tinctures are often labeled as THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced, which your budtender can help explain.
Capsules & softgels
What they are:
Pre-measured doses of cannabis oil in a capsule or softgel.
Why patients choose them:
Familiar format (similar to vitamins or supplements)
Easy to keep dosing consistent day-to-day
Discreet and easy to store
Things to know:
Onset and duration can be similar to edibles — slower to start, longer-lasting.
Always follow labeling and your doctor’s guidance when it comes to timing and dose.
Topicals
What they are:
Lotions, creams, balms, or salves infused with cannabis, applied to the skin.
Why patients choose them:
Non-intoxicating when used as directed (they’re not designed to create a “high”)
Targeted application to specific areas of the body
Things to know:
Topicals are for external use only — don’t ingest or apply to broken skin unless the label explicitly says it’s safe.
Effects and formulations can vary; always read labels carefully.
Concentrates
What they are:
Highly potent cannabis extracts (shatter, wax, sugar, rosin, etc.) with elevated THC levels.
Why patients choose them:
Very concentrated — smaller amounts may be used
Preferred by experienced patients who have built a tolerance
Things to know:
Concentrates are not usually recommended for brand-new patients due to their potency.
Arkansas law sets specific limits for concentrates; your budtender can help make sure you stay within your legal purchase limit.
How to decide what’s right for you
A few questions to consider before you visit:
Do you prefer inhaled (faster onset) or non-inhaled (longer-lasting, no smoke)?
Are you more interested in something for evening use, daytime, or both?
Do you have any lung or breathing issues that might affect your choice?
Your budtender at Arkansas’ Finest can walk you through options and explain the differences between products, but your doctor or healthcare provider is the best person to talk to about how cannabis fits into your overall treatment plan.
Visit us to explore your options
Every Arkansas’ Finest location carries a mix of these product types from trusted Arkansas brands. Browse the online menu for your nearest location or stop in and ask us to walk you through the basics — we’re happy to help.
To learn who qualifies and how to apply, visit our Medical Card page.
For common questions about what’s legal in Arkansas, check our FAQ.
