Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

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

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas Act 629 of 2023 (Senate Bill 358), signed April 2023, amended Arkansas Code § 5‑64‑215 to classify delta‑8, delta‑10, delta‑9 THC (in finished products above 0.3%), HHC, THCa flower, and synthetically derived cannabinoids as Schedule VI controlled substances, effectively banning them. The law applies to finished products, closing the federal loophole that allowed hemp‑derived intoxicants under the 2018 Farm Bill ([cannabisarkansas.org](https://cannabisarkansas.org/hemp/act-629?utm_source=openai)). Enforcement began after Attorney General Griffin certified the law in mid‑2025, with active enforcement by April 2026 ([cannabisarkansas.org](https://cannabisarkansas.org/hemp/act-629?utm_source=openai)). Arkansas continues to allow industrial hemp and hemp‑derived CBD products containing ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC in the finished product ([cannabisarkansas.org](https://cannabisarkansas.org/hemp/act-629?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids (e.g., delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC, THCa) are prohibited under Act 629 and classified as Schedule VI; such shipments are illegal. CBD products with ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC in the finished product may be shipped. No special age verification or retailer registration beyond standard hemp licensing is specified for legal CBD products.

Testing & COA guidance

Under 2 CAR § 31‑111, licensed growers and processors must submit hemp and hemp‑derived products for sampling and THC analysis per Department of Agriculture guidelines; licensees bear testing costs. Samples ≤ 0.3% total THC are released; those above require reporting and possible destruction or limited use (e.g., fiber) ([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)). No explicit ISO 17025 requirement or COA retention rule found in the last 24 months.

What to buy

Hemp‑derived CBD products and industrial hemp materials (textiles, seeds, oils, food) containing ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC in the finished product remain legal.

What to avoid

Avoid delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC, THCa flower, synthetic cannabinoids, and any hemp‑derived product with finished‑product delta‑9 THC above 0.3%; these are Schedule VI and banned under Act 629.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Arkansas caps delta‑9 THC at ≤ 0.3% in the finished product (not just dry weight)
• Delta‑8, delta‑10, HHC, THCa flower, and synthetic cannabinoids are Schedule VI and banned
• Licensed growers/processors must submit hemp for sampling/testing per 2 CAR § 31‑111
• CBD products with ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC remain legal
• Shipping intoxicating hemp‑derived products into Arkansas is prohibited

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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