HEMP AND THE LAW

Any person that wishes to grow, handle, process, store or market hemp plants, viable hemp seed, or leaf or floral material in Arkansas must first obtain the necessary licensure from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, per the AR Hemp Production Act of 2021. 

ARKANSAS HEMP PRODUCTION ACT OF 2021

ARKANSAS HEMP RESEARCH PROGRAM RULES

USDA-AMS FARM BILL WEBSITE / 2018 FARM BILL

The Arkansas Hemp Production Act of 2021 gives the Arkansas State Plant Board and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture the authority to implement and administer rules associated with hemp production in Arkansas.

HEMP MATERIAL IN ARKANSAS CAN ONLY BE IN THE POSSESSION OF A PROGRAM-LICENSEE

As stated in A.C.A. § 2-15-514 of the AR Hemp Production Act of 2021:

(a) “Industrial hemp found off the premises of a licensee is contraband and subject to seizure by any law enforcement officer unless the individual has in his or her possession the documents required by subsection (b) of this section. 

(b) An individual transporting or having in his or her possession industrial hemp shall also have in his or her possession either: (1) A grower license issued under this subchapter; or (2) A bill of lading or other proper documentation demonstrating that the industrial hemp was legally imported or is otherwise legally present in this state under applicable state and federal laws relating to industrial hemp.”

For more information regarding what material is considered publicly marketable and what material can only be in the possession of a hemp licensee in Arkansas, please visit the Hemp Program’s Restrictions on Sale or Transfer webpage.

Reviewed all Hemp Program webpages and still have a question for the AR Hemp Program?

E-mail your hemp-related question(s) to industrialhemp@agriculture.arkansas.gov