Cannabis Business in Arkansas

The cannabis industry in Arkansas currently consists of medical marijuana, CBD, and hemp. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 permits the use of medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying medical conditions. The Arkansas Department of Health is responsible for issuing Registry Identification Cards to qualifying patients and designated caregivers. As of 2024, there were more than 92 thousand medical marijuana patients in the state.

Those seeking to establish cannabis businesses must obtain licenses from the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which oversees cultivation facilities, processors, and dispensaries. These businesses are subject to regulation by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC), including rules related to security, recordkeeping, manufacturing, and dispensing practices.

The ABC also plays a role in overseeing the transportation of medical marijuana between licensed facilities and approved laboratories.

Arkansas Cannabis Business for Sale and Licensing

The Medical Marijuana Commission is responsible for the administration and regulation of licenses for cannabis businesses. These businesses include cultivation facilities, processors, dispensaries, and transporters. Licenses for cannabis businesses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and can be renewed through an application process.

• Individuals or entities interested in starting a cannabis business may need to consult with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for application procedures and guidance.
• The application process for obtaining a license includes a thorough review of the proposed business plan, financial stability of the applicant, security measures, and compliance with regulations.

Hemp and CBD in Arkansas

Both hemp and CBD derived from hemp are legal in Arkansas. Under the Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act of 2017, individuals and entities involved in the cultivation and processing of hemp must obtain a license from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The Department also regulates the labeling requirements for CBD products.