For some people, ecstasy can be addictive. A survey of young adult and adolescent ecstasy users found that 43 percent of those who reported ecstasy use met the accepted diagnostic criteria for dependence, as evidenced by continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, withdrawal effects, and tolerance (or diminished response).

Marijuana hinders the user's short-term memory (memory for recent events), and he or she may have trouble handling complex tasks. With the use of more potent varieties of marijuana, even simple tasks can be difficult.

Alcohol-related accidents are so prevalent, an estimated 40 percent of all persons in the United States will be involved in a traffic mishap blamed on alcohol at some point in their lives.

The pharmacology of cannabis is complicated by the presence of a wide range of cannabinoids. At small doses, cannabis produces euphoria, relief of anxiety, sedation and drowsiness. In some respects, the effects are similar to those caused by alcohol. Anandamide has been identified as the endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptor and has pharmacological properties similar to those of THC. When cannabis is smoked, THC can be detected in plasma within seconds of inhalation; it has a half-life of 2 hours. Following smoking of the equivalent of 10–15 mg over a period of 5–7 minutes, peak plasma levels of Δ9-THC are around 100 μg/L. It is highly lipophilic and widely distributed in the body. Two active metabolites are formed: 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC and 8β-hydroxy-Δ9-THC. The first is further metabolised to Δ9-THC-11-oic acid. Two inactive substances are also formed — 8α-hydroxy-Δ9-THC and 8α,11-dihydroxy-Δ9-THC — and many other minor metabolites, most of which appear in the urine and faeces as glucuronide conjugates. Some metabolites can be detected in the urine for up to 2 weeks following smoking or ingestion. There is little evidence for damage to organ systems among moderate users, but consumption with tobacco carries all of the risks of that substance. Most interest in the adverse properties of cannabis has centred on its association with schizophrenia, although it is still unclear if there is a causative relation between mental health and cannabis. Fatalities directly attributable to cannabis are rare.

Methamphetamine has grown from a problem limited to the Southwest and Pacific areas of the United States to Arkansas’ primary drug of concern.

The eastern and northwestern regions of Arkansas are the traditional growing areas for domestically produced marijuana, and it is cultivated indoors as well as outdoors.

Demerol® and Dilaudid® were also identified as being among the most commonly abused and diverted pharmaceuticals in Arkansas.

Each year, tens of thousands of pounds of marijuana and hundreds of kilograms of cocaine are seized in Arkansas. Most large seizures involve tractor-trailers, although private vehicles are also used, particularly methamphetamine seizures. Large quantities of drugs are also seized from other forms of transportation including commercial air and bus service.

Asset forfeiture laws have been enforced on cultivators of marijuana in Arkansas. This has caused the cultivators to utilize leased hunting land, timberland, or national forest land as grow sites. The DEA Fayetteville Resident Office maintains a close working relationship with the U.S. Forestry Service in view of the unique marijuana situation in northwest Arkansas.

Drug violation arrests in Arkansas was at 375 for 2007 and has been on a steady incline for at least the past 5 years per statistics.