Arkansas Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on Arkansas hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of October 8, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Arkansas hemp laws: quick overview

Arkansas defines hemp‑derived cannabidiol as excluded from “marijuana” under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act only if it contains not more than 0.3 % Δ9‑THC on a dry‑weight basis, per Arkansas Code § 5‑64‑101(16)(B)(vi), amended by Act 629 of 2023 (effective 2023) ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FAMEND%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FSB358-H1.pdf&utm_source=openai)). Act 629 (Senate Bill 358, 2023) also classifies intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids—including Δ8, Δ10, synthetics—as Schedule VI controlled substances, and applies the 0.3 % Δ9‑THC limit to the finished product, not just raw plant ([arkleg.state.ar.us](https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FACT629.pdf&utm_source=openai)). Following a federal injunction, enforcement resumed after the Eighth Circuit lifted the injunction in mid‑2025, affirming state authority to regulate hemp products ([cannabisarkansas.org](https://cannabisarkansas.org/hemp/act-629?utm_source=openai)). Act 934 of 2025, certified April 22, 2026, expands the ban on intoxicating hemp‑derived products and establishes a 21+ permit system for non‑intoxicating consumable hemp products (≤ 1 mg total THC per container with >15:1 CBD:THC ratio) ([arkansasag.gov](https://arkansasag.gov/news-release/attorney-general-griffin-certifies-act-934-of-2025-expanding-the-law-on-intoxicating-hemp-derived-products/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp products must comply with Arkansas’s 0.3 % Δ9‑THC dry‑weight limit and cannot include intoxicating cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, synthetics). Age verification (21+) and permit required for non‑intoxicating consumables under Act 934. Retailer must hold appropriate permit; unpermitted shipments may be seized.

Testing & COA guidance

Licensed growers/processors must test hemp products to confirm total THC ≤ 0.3 % and retain testing data for at least 3 years (Ark. Code R. 209.02) ([codeofarrules.arkansas.gov](https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/PartDocument?partID=16&utm_source=openai)). Sampling and analysis follow Department of Agriculture guidelines; samples > 0.3 % total THC trigger reporting and destruction or limited use per 2 CAR § 31‑111 ([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 found.

What to buy

Allowed: hemp‑derived CBD products with ≤ 0.3 % Δ9‑THC dry‑weight; industrial hemp for fiber, seed, food, extracts; non‑intoxicating consumables under 21+ permit (≤ 1 mg total THC per container, >15:1 CBD:THC).

What to avoid

Banned: Δ8, Δ10, synthetically converted cannabinoids, intoxicating hemp‑derived Δ9 edibles exceeding 0.3 % in finished product, THCa flower treated as intoxicating in enforcement practice.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Arkansas limits Δ9‑THC to ≤ 0.3 % dry‑weight in hemp‑derived products (Ark. Code § 5‑64‑101) as amended by Act 629 of 2023.
• Intoxicating hemp‑derived cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, synthetics) are Schedule VI controlled substances under Act 629 (2023) and Act 934 (2025).
• Licensed growers/processors must test and retain data showing total THC ≤ 0.3 % for 3 years (Ark. Code R. 209.02).
• Sampling rules: total THC > 0.3 % triggers destruction or limited use (2 CAR § 31‑111).
• Arkansas enforces a 21+ permit system for non‑intoxicating consumable hemp products under Act 934 (2025).

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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