
Would you smoke in Arkansas? Legality of hemp and cannabis. Facts, Myths and Realities of Arkansas.

Photography: Joshua J. Cotten
In Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 is in line with federal regulations established by the 2018 Farm Bill. Under this law, hemp and its derivatives, including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are considered legal as long as they meet the following requirements:
The hemp must have a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
Hemp and its derivatives must be grown and produced in accordance with state and federal regulations.
CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids cannot be added to food or beverages, per federal regulations.
It is important to note that although delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, some state and local jurisdictions have stricter regulations regarding its legality. Therefore, it is important to review specific Arkansas regulations before buying or selling delta 8 THC products in the state.
In Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 has become a topic of interest to many people. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that is used for the production of CBD, delta 8, and other derived products. These products have become very popular in recent years due to their potential health benefits.
The 2018 Farm Bill, also known as the Farm Bill, allowed the production and trade of hemp and its derivatives throughout the country, as long as they meet the requirements established in the law. The Farm Bill defines hemp as any part of the cannabis plant with a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
In Arkansas, regulation of hemp and its derivatives is carried out by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The entity is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations for the production, processing and sale of hemp and its derivatives. The department is also responsible for issuing licenses to hemp growers, processors, and distributors.
CBD is one of the most popular hemp derivatives in Arkansas. It has become a widely used product to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and other health disorders. In Arkansas, CBD products are available at health and wellness stores, as well as health food stores.
Although the Farm Bill allows for the production and trade of CBD, there are some limitations on its use. CBD cannot be added to food or drink, per federal regulations. Additionally, CBD products must have a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight. Products containing more THC than this limit are illegal.
Delta 8 THC is also a hemp-derived product that has gained popularity in Arkansas in recent years. It is a psychoactive compound found in hemp in very small amounts. Like CBD, delta 8 THC is considered legal as long as it has a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
However, some state and local jurisdictions have stricter regulations on the legality of delta 8 THC. In Arkansas, it is important to review specific regulations before buying or selling delta 8 THC products in the state.
The legality of cannabis in Arkansas is currently limited to medicinal use. In 2012, Arkansans for Compassionate Care attempted to legalize medical cannabis through the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (Issue 5), but the proposal was defeated by a vote of 48.6% in favor and 51.4% against. In 2016, Ballot Measure Issue 6 finally legalized the medical use of marijuana in Arkansas, and the Arkansas legislature was barred from making it illegal again without a vote. The amendment, also known as the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, listed a list of medical conditions for which a medical marijuana card could be obtained. As for the recreational cannabis law, it is not legal in Arkansas, although there is a Ballot Initiative set to go ahead in 2022.
Medicinal cards in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 is in line with federal regulations established by the 2018 Farm Bill. Under this law, hemp and its derivatives, including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are considered legal as long as they meet the following requirements:
The hemp must have a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
Hemp and its derivatives must be grown and produced in accordance with state and federal regulations.
CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids cannot be added to food or beverages, per federal regulations.
It is important to note that although delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, some state and local jurisdictions have stricter regulations regarding its legality. Therefore, it is important to review specific Arkansas regulations before buying or selling delta 8 THC products in the state.
In Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 has become a topic of interest to many people. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that is used for the production of CBD, delta 8, and other derived products. These products have become very popular in recent years due to their potential health benefits.
The 2018 Farm Bill, also known as the Farm Bill, allowed the production and trade of hemp and its derivatives throughout the country, as long as they meet the requirements established in the law. The Farm Bill defines hemp as any part of the cannabis plant with a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
In Arkansas, regulation of hemp and its derivatives is carried out by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The entity is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations for the production, processing and sale of hemp and its derivatives. The department is also responsible for issuing licenses to hemp growers, processors, and distributors.
CBD is one of the most popular hemp derivatives in Arkansas. It has become a widely used product to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and other health disorders. In Arkansas, CBD products are available at health and wellness stores, as well as health food stores.
Although the Farm Bill allows for the production and trade of CBD, there are some limitations on its use. CBD cannot be added to food or drink, per federal regulations. Additionally, CBD products must have a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight. Products containing more THC than this limit are illegal.
Delta 8 THC is also a hemp-derived product that has gained popularity in Arkansas in recent years. It is a psychoactive compound found in hemp in very small amounts. Like CBD, delta 8 THC is considered legal as long as it has a THC content of less than 0.3% dry weight.
However, some state and local jurisdictions have stricter regulations on the legality of delta 8 THC. In Arkansas, it is important to review specific regulations before buying or selling delta 8 THC products in the state.
The legality of cannabis in Arkansas is currently limited to medicinal use. In 2012, Arkansans for Compassionate Care attempted to legalize medical cannabis through the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (Issue 5), but the proposal was defeated by a vote of 48.6% in favor and 51.4% against. In 2016, Ballot Measure Issue 6 finally legalized the medical use of marijuana in Arkansas, and the Arkansas legislature was barred from making it illegal again without a vote. The amendment, also known as the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, listed a list of medical conditions for which a medical marijuana card could be obtained. As for the recreational cannabis law, it is not legal in Arkansas, although there is a Ballot Initiative set to go ahead in 2022.
Medicinal cards in Arkansas

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Arkansas, you must have one of the medical conditions listed in the law, and you must obtain certification from a licensed physician in the state. Currently, telemedicine is not allowed in Arkansas, so it is necessary to make an appointment with a certified doctor near you.
Medical card holders may possess up to 2.5 oz. every 14 days, and you are not allowed to grow cannabis in Arkansas, even if you are a qualifying medical marijuana patient. Although the possibility of growing cannabis has been the subject of debate and has impeded the progression of Arkansas' medical marijuana law. Arkansas does not recognize medical marijuana cards from other states, although out-of-state patients can apply to the Arkansas medical marijuana program.
What employment protections are in place for medical cannabis cardholders in Arkansas?
While the use of medical cannabis is permitted in Arkansas, it is important to note that under federal law, it is illegal to possess or purchase firearms in combination with possession of marijuana. Also, if a person has been convicted of a crime related to violence or a violation of controlled substances laws in the last 10 years, they cannot work in the medical marijuana industry or be a caregiver.
What are the requirements for testing medical cannabis products in Arkansas?
Under state law, laboratories that test medical cannabis products are mostly self-regulated, but must follow testing standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This includes testing for pesticides, solvents, moisture content, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, among other items, on every batch of cannabis produced.
Where is it safe to buy medical cannabis in Arkansas?
In all states with medical marijuana programs, the only legal way to purchase medical cannabis products is through a licensed dispensary, pharmacy, or other legally designated space for the purchase of cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.
Where is it safe to use cannabis in Arkansas?
Medical card holders may possess up to 2.5 oz. every 14 days, and you are not allowed to grow cannabis in Arkansas, even if you are a qualifying medical marijuana patient. Although the possibility of growing cannabis has been the subject of debate and has impeded the progression of Arkansas' medical marijuana law. Arkansas does not recognize medical marijuana cards from other states, although out-of-state patients can apply to the Arkansas medical marijuana program.
What employment protections are in place for medical cannabis cardholders in Arkansas?
While the use of medical cannabis is permitted in Arkansas, it is important to note that under federal law, it is illegal to possess or purchase firearms in combination with possession of marijuana. Also, if a person has been convicted of a crime related to violence or a violation of controlled substances laws in the last 10 years, they cannot work in the medical marijuana industry or be a caregiver.
What are the requirements for testing medical cannabis products in Arkansas?
Under state law, laboratories that test medical cannabis products are mostly self-regulated, but must follow testing standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This includes testing for pesticides, solvents, moisture content, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, among other items, on every batch of cannabis produced.
Where is it safe to buy medical cannabis in Arkansas?
In all states with medical marijuana programs, the only legal way to purchase medical cannabis products is through a licensed dispensary, pharmacy, or other legally designated space for the purchase of cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.
Where is it safe to use cannabis in Arkansas?

Photography: Elsa Olofsson
In all states with medical marijuana programs, there are restrictions on where cannabis can be consumed. It is illegal to use cannabis near schools, day care centers, parks, and other places where children are expected to be present. In addition, the use of cannabis on federal land or buildings, hospitals, and other healthcare settings is also illegal. Private members clubs and landlords can also prohibit the use of cannabis on their properties or restrict it as they wish.
The safest place to consume medical cannabis is in the comfort of your own home. It is important to use common sense and keep consumption out of public spaces, as well as use discreet methods of consumption whenever possible.
In conclusion, in Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 is in line with federal regulations established by the 2018 Farm Bill and specific state regulations. It is important to be aware of these regulations when buying or selling hemp products and their derivatives in the state.
Sources:
Demillo, A. (2022). Arkansas and North Dakota refuse to legalize marijuana. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/espanol/eeuu/articulo/2022-11-08/arkansas-y-dakota-del-norte-rechazan-legalizar-la-marihuana
The safest place to consume medical cannabis is in the comfort of your own home. It is important to use common sense and keep consumption out of public spaces, as well as use discreet methods of consumption whenever possible.
In conclusion, in Arkansas, the legality of hemp, CBD, and delta 8 is in line with federal regulations established by the 2018 Farm Bill and specific state regulations. It is important to be aware of these regulations when buying or selling hemp products and their derivatives in the state.
Sources:
Demillo, A. (2022). Arkansas and North Dakota refuse to legalize marijuana. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/espanol/eeuu/articulo/2022-11-08/arkansas-y-dakota-del-norte-rechazan-legalizar-la-marihuana
Leafwell. Is cannabis legal in Arkansas? https://leafwell.com/es/cannabis-marijuana-laws/leyes-del-cannabis-arkansas/
Mizelle, S. (2022). Recreational marijuana legalization is on the ballot in these 5 states on November 8. Cable News Network. To Warner Bros. Discovery Company.