Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Law Guide

This guide provides educational information on Arkansas hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of May 3, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas defines “industrial hemp” in Arkansas Code § 2‑15‑503 (2024) as Cannabis sativa with total delta‑9 THC concentration no more than 0.3% of the hemp‑derived cannabidiol on a dry weight basis ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-2/subtitle-2/chapter-15/subchapter-5/section-2-15-503/?utm_source=openai)). The Arkansas Hemp Production Act of 2021 (effective 2021) transferred regulation to the Department of Agriculture and requires licensing for growers, processors, and handlers ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/hemp-program-rules-the-law/?utm_source=openai)). Act 629 of 2023 (Senate Bill 358) amended controlled substances and hemp statutes to ban Delta‑8, Delta‑10, and other intoxicating hemp‑derived THC isomers by placing them on Schedule VI; it also restricts additives in hemp‑derived products and requires Tobacco Control permits for businesses selling such products ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-legal-status-of-delta-8-in-arkansas/?utm_source=openai)). The Eighth Circuit lifted a preliminary injunction in mid‑2025, allowing enforcement of Act 629 statewide as of June 24, 2025 ([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)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp into Arkansas must be accompanied by THC test results confirming ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC, copies of hemp license certificates for both sender and receiver, and a bill of lading or transfer manifest ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/restrictions-on-sale-or-transfer/?utm_source=openai)). Only licensed growers, processors, or handlers may transport hemp materials; unlicensed possession is prohibited ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/hemp-program-rules-the-law/?utm_source=openai)). Public or retail sale of raw hemp materials is restricted to licensed entities.

Testing & COA guidance

Arkansas requires that hemp‑derived products sold in‑state be tested by an approved independent third‑party laboratory for cannabinoid profile, solvents, pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and any non‑hemp substances, with a Certificate of Analysis required before sale ([codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-20-public-health-and-welfare/ar-code-sect-20-56-410.html/?utm_source=openai)). For transfers, COAs must be retained for at least three years ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/restrictions-on-sale-or-transfer/?utm_source=openai)). Official compliance testing for growers is conducted by the Department’s lab; third‑party labs may only receive samples up to 1 lb for analysis ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/restrictions-on-sale-or-transfer/?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Allowed products include hemp‑derived extracts, oils, seed oil, fiber, food products, and non‑intoxicating cannabinoid extracts that comply with ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC and do not contain banned isomers or additives ([agriculture.arkansas.gov](https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-industries/feed-and-fertilizer-section/hemp-home/restrictions-on-sale-or-transfer/?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid products containing Delta‑8 THC, Delta‑10 THC, THCO, or other intoxicating hemp‑derived THC isomers—they are banned under Act 629 and classified as Schedule VI ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-legal-status-of-delta-8-in-arkansas/?utm_source=openai)). Also avoid products with non‑hemp additives like flavorings, propylene glycol, or glycerin when combined with hemp extracts ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-legal-status-of-delta-8-in-arkansas/?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC must not exceed 0.3% dry weight per Arkansas Code § 2‑15‑503.
• Delta‑8, Delta‑10, and other intoxicating hemp‑derived THC isomers are banned under Act 629 (2023), enforced since mid‑2025.
• All hemp handlers must hold a license from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture under the Arkansas Hemp Production Act of 2021.
• Transfers require THC test results (≤ 0.3% Δ9‑THC), COAs, bills of lading, and license copies.
• Hemp‑derived products sold in‑state must be tested by approved third‑party labs per Ark. Code § 20‑56‑410.
• Businesses selling hemp‑derived products must obtain a permit from Arkansas Tobacco Control (Act 629).

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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