Arkansas Cannabis Regulations
Legal for Medical Use OnlyRegulatory Agency: Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) ·
Cannabis Landscape Overview
Arkansas voters approved Issue 6 (the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment) in November 2016, making it the first Bible Belt state to legalize medical cannabis. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) oversees the program, and dispensary sales began in May 2019. As of 2026, Arkansas has a mature medical cannabis market with over 40 licensed dispensaries and eight licensed cultivators serving tens of thousands of registered patients.
The program allows patients with qualifying conditions—including cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, Crohn's disease, severe arthritis, and chronic pain—to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days. The market has grown substantially since launch, generating hundreds of millions in cumulative sales. A 2022 recreational legalization ballot measure (Issue 4) narrowly failed, keeping the state medical-only for the foreseeable future.
Packaging Requirements
General Standards
- All cannabis products must be in child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging
- Packaging must be opaque so contents are not visible from outside
- Exit packaging (bags provided at point of sale) must also be child-resistant and opaque
- Packaging cannot imitate or resemble existing consumer products marketed to children
Product-Specific Requirements
- Edible products must be in individually wrapped, child-resistant containers
- Concentrates must be in non-reactive, airtight containers
- Flower must be sealed in tamper-evident containers with humidity controls where appropriate
Labeling Requirements
Mandatory Information
- Name and license number of the cultivator and dispensary
- Unique batch and lot identification number
- THC and CBD potency per serving and per package
- Net weight in metric and standard units
- List of all ingredients, including potential allergens
- Date of harvest (flower) or manufacture (processed products)
- Expiration or use-by date
- Arkansas universal cannabis symbol
Warning Statements
- "For use by qualifying patients only"
- "Keep out of reach of children"
- "May cause impairment—do not drive or operate heavy machinery"
- Government warning regarding pregnancy
Advertising Rules
Arkansas restricts medical cannabis advertising to prevent exposure to minors. Advertisements cannot be placed within 1,000 feet of schools, daycare centers, churches, or playgrounds. Digital and broadcast advertising must use age-verification mechanisms. Licensees may not make unsubstantiated medical claims. All advertising must include the dispensary license number and a statement that the product is for registered patients only. Billboards and outdoor signage are permitted but subject to local zoning restrictions.
Licensing Overview
The ADH administers licensing for cultivators, processors, dispensaries, and transporters. Arkansas caps cultivation licenses at eight and dispensary licenses at 40 (allocated by zone to ensure geographic distribution). License applications require extensive documentation including security plans, financial disclosures, and community impact assessments. Annual license fees apply, and all facilities are subject to unannounced inspections. Residency requirements mandate that a majority of ownership must be Arkansas residents.
Cannabis Taxes in Arkansas (2026)
Arkansas cannabis businesses collect and remit multiple overlapping taxes. Below is a summary of the rates that apply to retail cannabis sales as of 2026. Regulatory agency: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration + Medical Marijuana Commission.
- Excise tax: 4% special privilege tax on medical cannabis retail sales
- Sales tax: 6.5% state sales tax + typical 1–5% local sales tax
- Local cannabis tax: No additional local cannabis-specific tax
- Medical exemption: Arkansas is medical-only; all sales are to qualifying patients
- Effective combined rate: 11.5–15.5% medical combined
Privilege tax revenue funds the UAMS National Cancer Institute designation research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a medical cannabis program established by Amendment 98 in 2016. Qualifying patients may purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries with a valid medical card.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal. A 2022 ballot measure to legalize adult-use cannabis narrowly failed.
What are the packaging requirements in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires medical cannabis to be sold in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and opaque packaging. Products must be sealed at the point of manufacture and cannot resemble candy or appeal to children.
Exit packaging from dispensaries must also be opaque and child-resistant per ASTM standards.
What are the labeling requirements in Arkansas?
Arkansas labels must include THC and CBD content, batch number, net weight, and a government warning about health risks. The dispensary name and license number must also appear on the label.
Edible labels must list all ingredients and allergens. A "For Medical Use Only" statement is required on all products.
What are the advertising restrictions in Arkansas?
Arkansas restricts medical cannabis advertising to media where at least 70% of the audience is 21 or older. Ads may not appear on billboards within 1,000 feet of schools.
All advertising must include a health warning and cannot contain false or misleading claims about therapeutic benefits.
How do I get a cannabis license in Arkansas?
Cannabis licenses in Arkansas are issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC). The state has a limited license structure with 8 cultivator licenses and 40 dispensary licenses.
Applications require detailed business plans, security protocols, and proof of financial capability. Background checks are mandatory for all owners and officers.
Are promotional products allowed for cannabis businesses in Arkansas?
Arkansas limits promotional materials for medical cannabis businesses. Branded merchandise must not target minors or make unapproved health claims.
B2B promotional products like custom-branded items for trade shows are generally permissible, but consumer-facing giveaways are restricted under the medical program.
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