Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on Arkansas hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of September 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas defines “industrial hemp” as Cannabis sativa with total Δ9‑THC no more than 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis under Arkansas Code § 2‑15‑503(5), consistent with the 2018 Farm Bill baseline (effective as of at least March 2024) ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-2-agriculture/ar-code-sect-2-15-503/?utm_source=openai)). In 2023, Act 629 (Senate Bill 358) was enacted to prohibit the growth, processing, sale, transfer, or possession of industrial hemp products containing Delta‑8, Delta‑9, Delta‑10, THC‑O, and other synthetically derived cannabinoids by classifying them as Schedule VI controlled substances (effective April 2023) ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FSB358.pdf&utm_source=openai)). Litigation delayed enforcement, but in April 2026 the Arkansas Attorney General certified Act 934 of 2025 (updating the 2023 law), clearing the way for enforcement of the ban on intoxicating hemp‑derived products ([arkansasadvocate.com](https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/04/22/arkansas-attorney-general-certifies-hemp-regulating-law/?utm_source=openai)). Arkansas law also mandates that all hemp‑derived products sold in the state must be tested by approved third‑party laboratories for cannabinoid profile, solvents, pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and non‑hemp substances, with a certificate of analysis required before sale (Ark. Code § 20‑56‑410) ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-20-public-health-and-welfare/ar-code-sect-20-56-410/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of compliant hemp (≤ 0.3% Δ9‑THC) are allowed. Age verification is not specified in hemp law. Retailer registration: operators must be licensed as growers or processors/handlers under Arkansas Department of Agriculture rules; shipping to unlicensed entities is prohibited per 2 CAR § 209.02(H)(2) ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/PartDocument?partID=16&utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

Arkansas requires sampling and analysis per 2 CAR § 31‑111: licensed growers/processors must notify the Department before harvest; samples are collected and tested, with ≤ 0.3% total THC released for marketing; > 0.3% requires destruction or fiber/seed use ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=2&levelType=section&partID=16&sectionID=63482&subChapterID=3&subPartID=9432&titleID=2&utm_source=openai)). Licensed operators must retain testing data for at least 3 years and may transfer up to 1 lb of hemp material per transfer to labs ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/PartDocument?partID=16&utm_source=openai)). All products sold must have COA from approved third‑party labs covering required panels per Ark. Code § 20‑56‑410 ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-20-public-health-and-welfare/ar-code-sect-20-56-410/?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Products derived from hemp with total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight, excluding banned cannabinoids. Non‑intoxicating forms such as fiber, seed, CBD extracts (compliant), and other non‑psychoactive derivatives are permitted.

What to avoid

Avoid any products containing Delta‑8, Delta‑9 (beyond 0.3% total), Delta‑10, THC‑O, synthetically derived cannabinoids, or intoxicating hemp products—they are Schedule VI controlled substances under Act 629/934 and illegal in Arkansas.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight per Arkansas Code § 2‑15‑503 (effective per 2021 definitions)
• Arkansas Act 629 (2023/SB 358) bans Delta‑8, Delta‑9, Delta‑10, THC‑O, and synthetically derived cannabinoids as Schedule VI controlled substances
• All hemp products must be tested by approved third‑party labs for cannabinoid profile, solvents, pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and non‑hemp substances per Ark. Code § 20‑56‑410
• Licensed growers/processors must retain THC test results for at least 3 years and may transfer up to 1 lb of hemp material per transfer to labs per 2 CAR § 209.02
• Sampling and testing protocols per 2 CAR § 31‑111: samples ≤ 0.3% total THC are marketable; > 0.3% require destruction or fiber/seed disposition

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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