Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

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

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas defines industrial hemp under the Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act (Ark. Code § 2‑15‑503), limiting delta‑9 THC to no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, aligning with the 2018 Farm Bill (effective as of the Act’s passage in 2021) ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/is-hemp-legal-in-arkansas-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=openai)). Act 629 of 2023 (effective April 11, 2023) amended the Arkansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act to classify delta‑8, delta‑10, THCA, HHC, THCO, and other intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids as Schedule VI controlled substances, regardless of concentration ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-does-arkansas-act-629-mean-for-hemp-products/?utm_source=openai)). A federal preliminary injunction delayed enforcement until the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed it on June 24, 2025, restoring full enforcement ([cannabisregulations.ai](https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/cannabis-and-hemp-regulations-compliance-ai-blog/arkansas-2025-eighth-circuit-delta-8-ban-what-still-legal?utm_source=openai)). Act 934 of 2025 (signed April 21, 2025; certified April 22, 2026) further reinforced the ban and expanded enforcement authority, with the Department of Finance and Administration seizing thousands of products shortly thereafter ([cannabisregulations.ai](https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/state-legality/arkansas-delta-8?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp products containing only non‑intoxicating cannabinoids (e.g., CBD under 0.3% delta‑9 THC) are allowed, provided they comply with state testing and labeling rules. Products containing banned cannabinoids (delta‑8, delta‑10, THCA, HHC, THCO) are illegal upon arrival and subject to seizure ([cannabisregulations.ai](https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/state-legality/arkansas-delta-8?utm_source=openai)). Age verification is required; minors cannot purchase hemp products, and selling to minors is a misdemeanor ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/arkansas-hemp-laws-and-regulations/?utm_source=openai)). Retailers must be licensed if they grow, process, or handle hemp; mere sale of compliant finished products does not require a license ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/arkansas-hemp-laws-and-regulations/?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

Arkansas requires independent lab testing to verify delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight, applying measurement of uncertainty per state rules (Ark. Code R. 209.02.19) ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arkansas/209-02-19-Ark-Code-R-006?utm_source=openai)). COAs should document compliance. Licensed operators must retain COAs; specific retention periods are not stated in available sources (null). ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not explicitly required in the sources (null).

What to buy

CBD oils, edibles, topicals, tinctures, seed oil, fiber, non‑intoxicating hemp products derived from hemp with ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC, sold by licensed or compliant operators.

What to avoid

Any products containing delta‑8 THC, delta‑10 THC, THCA, HHC, THCO, or other intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids are banned. Smokable hemp flower or pre‑rolls containing these cannabinoids are also prohibited.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act)
• Delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC, THCO and similar intoxicating cannabinoids are banned under Act 629 (2023) and reinforced by Act 934 (2025)
• CBD products under 0.3% delta‑9 THC remain legal if properly tested and labeled
• Growers, processors, handlers must hold a license from Arkansas Department of Agriculture
• Minors cannot purchase hemp products; selling to minors is a misdemeanor
• Raw hemp plant material restricted to licensed entities only

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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