Are THC Gummies Legal in Arkansas? Crucial AR Laws to Note

Walking into a local shop and spotting THC gummies can feel confusing in Arkansas. Labels mention hemp-derived THC, delta-9 THC, or products like delta-8, yet the law in Arkansas does not always make the difference obvious.

That confusion leaves many people wondering if gummies are legal in Arkansas or if buying the wrong product could lead to legal trouble.

Key Takeaways

• THC gummies are legal in Arkansas only when they meet specific hemp or medical marijuana requirements
• Hemp-derived gummies must stay under the 0.3% delta-9 THC dry weight limit to be compliant
• Higher-THC gummies are legal exclusively through Arkansas’s medical marijuana program
• Recent laws and enforcement actions have narrowed what hemp-derived THC products are allowed
• Buying from licensed dispensaries or compliant retailers reduces legal risk
• Understanding current state rules is essential, as Arkansas THC laws continue to change

Are THC Gummies Legal in Arkansas?

Yes. Hemp-derived THC gummies are legal in Arkansas if they comply with state and federal law by containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Medical marijuana gummies with higher THC content are also legal in Arkansas for qualified patients who hold a valid medical marijuana card through the state’s medical marijuana program. Products that exceed these limits outside the medical system remain illegal in Arkansas.

Overview on AR Laws for THC Gummies

Arkansas law around THC gummies has changed quickly and continues to cause confusion. Differences between hemp-derived products and medical marijuana, along with recent enforcement actions, make it important to understand what is legal and what is not when it comes to gummies sold in the state.

Hemp and THC Limits Under Arkansas Law

The Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act defines industrial hemp as Cannabis sativa with no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. That definition aligns with the 2018 Farm Bill, which made hemp federally legal and allowed hemp-derived products with low THC content to be sold nationwide. Products containing delta-9 THC under that limit, including hemp-derived THC gummies, were permitted for sale in Arkansas under this framework for a time.

This dry weight rule means a gummy can contain a measurable amount of delta-9 THC but still be considered legal if it stays within that 0.3 percent threshold calculated per dry weight of the entire product.

Medical Marijuana Program Regulations

Medical marijuana in Arkansas has a separate legal status. Under the Arkansas medical marijuana program, qualified patients with a medical marijuana card can legally buy cannabis products, including gummies, that contain much higher levels of THC than permitted under hemp law. These products are sold through licensed Arkansas dispensaries and are regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health.

Recent Changes: Act 629 and Enforcement

In 2023, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 629, which aimed to ban many intoxicating hemp products, including forms of THC like delta-8, delta-9 above certain levels, and similar cannabinoids often found in gummies sold outside the medical system. Initial enforcement was delayed by a federal injunction, but a federal appeals court has allowed the ban to move forward, labeling many psychoactive hemp products as controlled substances under state law. This means products previously sold as hemp-derived THC products may now be considered illegal controlled substances.

State officials, including the Attorney General, have emphasized that these products are illegal and that sellers and buyers could face legal consequences if they continue to distribute or purchase them.

What This Means for Gummies in Arkansas

At present, the legal status of THC gummies in Arkansas hinges on the current enforcement of Act 629 and definitions under state law. Hemp-derived cannabidiol products that contain minimal THC and meet compliance testing may still be permissible, but intoxicating hemp-derived products are under strict scrutiny or outright prohibition.

For consumers seeking products with higher THC content, the most secure legal route remains obtaining them through the medical marijuana program with a valid medical marijuana card and purchasing from a licensed dispensary in Arkansas.

Where Can I Get THC Gummies in Arkansas?

Finding THC gummies in Arkansas depends on the type of product and your legal status. For higher THC content gummies, the only reliable legal source is through the medical marijuana program. For compliant hemp-derived products with low THC levels, some retail outlets carry hemp gummies and other CBD and THC products that stay within Arkansas’s THC content limits.

• Licensed Dispensaries (THC gummies with higher THC content): Arkansas’s medical marijuana program allows qualified patients to buy cannabis products, including THC gummies, from certified dispensaries only. These shops operate under strict state regulations and offer a range of cannabis products to those with a valid medical marijuana card.
• Heights Apothecary & Hemp Co: Medical cannabis dispensary in Little Rock with a selection of THC products. Patients with a card can experience edibles alongside other cannabis products.
• High Achievers: Dispensary in Hot Springs known for serving qualified medical marijuana patients with THC gummies and related items.
• Harvest Cannabis Dispensary: Offers medical marijuana products, including edibles, to cardholders in Conway.
• The Treatment Cannabis Dispensary: Pine Bluff dispensary with cannabis products for qualified patients.
• Doctor’s Orders: Hot Springs location serving medical marijuana patients with a range of cannabis items.
• Other Dispensary Options: Many licensed dispensaries statewide sell THC edibles, including Enlightened Dispensary locations in Heber Springs, Morrilton, and Arkadelphia. Availability may vary by location.
• Retail Shops (Hemp-derived gummies and CBD products): Stores like Hot Springs Hemp Company may offer legal hemp product options that contain CBD and trace amounts of THC that are compliant with hemp-derived THC rules. These products are widely found in health stores and vape shops, but cannot contain higher levels of THC unless purchased through medical dispensaries.

Tips for Easier Access to THC Gummies in AR

Getting THC gummies in Arkansas can feel complicated, but a few practical steps can make the process smoother and help avoid legal issues.

• Verify legal status regularly: Arkansas law changes quickly, so checking current rules helps avoid buying products that may be illegal in Arkansas.
• Understand the difference between hemp and medical products: Hemp-derived THC gummies must stay within the THC limit, while higher THC content requires access through the medical marijuana program.
• Consider a medical marijuana card: A valid medical marijuana card provides the most reliable legal access to THC gummies with stronger effects.
• Shop only from compliant sellers: Licensed Arkansas dispensaries and reputable hemp retailers are more likely to follow state and federal requirements.
• Read lab labels carefully: Checking THC levels and THC by dry weight helps confirm that products are within the legal limit.
• Avoid unverified online sellers: Products sold without clear testing information can lead to legal trouble under Arkansas law.

Final Thoughts

THC gummies remain legal and accessible in Arkansas when purchased through the right channels and within the law’s limits. Understanding the difference between hemp-derived products and medical marijuana helps avoid costly mistakes and legal trouble.

For those seeking consistent quality and legal peace of mind, studying licensed Arkansas dispensaries and compliant THC gummies remains the safest next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do THC gummies show up on a drug test?

Yes. THC gummies, including hemp-derived THC products, can contain enough THC to trigger a positive drug test. Most tests do not distinguish between hemp-derived THC and marijuana-derived THC.

Can THC gummies be shipped to Arkansas from other states?

Shipping THC gummies into Arkansas can be risky. Even if a product is federally legal, Arkansas law and enforcement actions may still classify certain THC products as illegal once they enter the state.

Is there an age requirement to buy THC gummies in Arkansas?

Yes. Medical marijuana gummies require the buyer to be a registered patient approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. Hemp-derived products are typically restricted to adults, often age 21 and older, depending on retailer policies and local enforcement.

Are delta-8 and similar THC gummies treated the same as delta-9 in Arkansas?

No. Products like delta-8 THC fall into a stricter legal gray area in Arkansas. Recent laws and enforcement actions have targeted intoxicating hemp-derived products like delta-8 more aggressively than compliant hemp-derived delta-9 THC.

What happens if someone is caught with illegal THC gummies in Arkansas?

Possessing THC gummies that fall outside the legal limits or medical marijuana program can lead to fines, confiscation, or criminal charges, depending on the product, amount, and circumstances under Arkansas law.