Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

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

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas defines “hemp” consistent with federal law as Cannabis sativa L. with delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis, per Code of Arkansas Rules § 31‑101 (effective 2025) ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=2&levelType=section&partID=16&sectionID=63472&subChapterID=3&subPartID=9432&titleID=2&utm_source=openai)). Act 629 of 2023 (SB358, enacted April 2023) amended state law to classify Delta‑8, Delta‑9, Delta‑10 THC and related isomers/esters derived from hemp as Schedule VI controlled substances, making them illegal regardless of THC concentration ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FACT629.pdf&utm_source=openai)). In 2025, SB533 (Act 934, effective April 21, 2025) created a regulatory framework for consumable hemp products under the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board, defining “total tetrahydrocannabinol” broadly to include delta‑8, delta‑9, delta‑10, THCA, and other analogues, and requiring licensing and compliance with rules ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&id=sb533&utm_source=openai)). Sampling and testing rules under 2 CAR § 31‑111 (effective 2025) require testing of hemp plantings; if total THC exceeds 0.3%, the crop must be destroyed or limited to fiber 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)). HB1578 (2025) adds regulation of hemp‑based beverages under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, requiring manufacturer permits and COAs verifying delta‑9 THC and contaminant thresholds ([webftp.blr.arkansas.gov](https://webftp.blr.arkansas.gov/Home/FTPDocument?path=Bills%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FHB1578.pdf&utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp that comply with federal and Arkansas delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% may transit, but products containing Delta‑8, Delta‑9, Delta‑10 THC (even if under 0.3%) are illegal and cannot be shipped into Arkansas. Age verification and retailer registration are required for consumable hemp products under SB533/Act 934; out‑of‑state manufacturers must hold a permit or equivalent from their state and Arkansas Tobacco Control Board ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&id=sb533&utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

Arkansas requires sampling and testing of hemp plantings per 2 CAR § 31‑111; testing must confirm total THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight. Over‑limit crops must be destroyed or used only for fiber. Laboratories may be department‑run or authorized by the department; no explicit ISO 17025 requirement is stated. COAs are required for hemp‑based beverages under HB1578 ([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)).

What to buy

Allowed products include hemp biomass, fiber, seed, food, approved cultivars, and consumable hemp products (e.g., edibles, beverages) that comply with SB533/Act 934 licensing and testing requirements and contain only non‑intoxicating cannabinoids (i.e., delta‑9 ≤ 0.3% and no banned isomers). Hemp‑based beverages require a manufacturer permit under HB1578 ([media.ark.org](https://media.ark.org/agri/SUMMARY-OF-VARIETIES-LIST-AR-HEMP-PROGRAM-20251205.pdf?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid any products containing Delta‑8, Delta‑9 (above 0.3%), Delta‑10 THC, THCA, or related isomers/esters—even if derived from hemp—as these are Schedule VI controlled substances under Act 629 and illegal in Arkansas ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FACT629.pdf&utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC in hemp must not exceed 0.3% dry weight per Arkansas Code of Arkansas Rules § 31‑101 (2025) ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=2&levelType=section&partID=16&sectionID=63472&subChapterID=3&subPartID=9432&titleID=2&utm_source=openai))
• Act 629 (2023) classifies Delta‑8, Delta‑9, Delta‑10 THC and related isomers/esters as Schedule VI controlled substances—illegal regardless of concentration ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FACT629.pdf&utm_source=openai))
• SB533 / Act 934 (2025) establishes regulation of consumable hemp products under Arkansas Tobacco Control Board, including licensing and testing requirements ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&id=sb533&utm_source=openai))
• Sampling and testing protocol requires total THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight; over‑limit crops must be destroyed or used only for fiber per 2 CAR § 31‑111 (2025) ([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))
• Hemp‑based beverages require manufacturer permit from Alcoholic Beverage Control Division under HB1578 (2025) ([webftp.blr.arkansas.gov](https://webftp.blr.arkansas.gov/Home/FTPDocument?path=Bills%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FHB1578.pdf&utm_source=openai))

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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