The bill SB358 seeks to amend existing laws in Arkansas concerning delta tetrahydrocannabinol substances by prohibiting the growth, processing, sale, transfer, or possession of industrial hemp containing delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol. These substances are included in the list of Schedule VI controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The bill aims to prevent the production and sale of intoxicating substances derived from industrial hemp while still allowing for the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes. Key amendments include a revised definition of industrial hemp, which must have a total delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, and the introduction of new definitions and regulations for hemp-derived products.

Additionally, the bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale and distribution of hemp-derived products, requiring compliance with applicable laws and a permit from Arkansas Tobacco Control for all sales. It introduces a permitting system for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, mandates annual fees, and includes provisions for background checks and record-keeping. The bill also enforces strict labeling and advertising regulations to prevent marketing to minors and requires independent laboratory testing of products. Furthermore, it expands the authority of Arkansas Tobacco Control to enforce these regulations, including the ability to seize and destroy non-compliant products, and establishes penalties for violations, particularly those involving sales to minors. The bill declares an emergency to expedite its implementation upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB358 Original - 3-3-2023 04:09 PM: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-215(a)
Old version SB358 V2 - 3-13-2023 02:38 PM: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215, 19-6-831(b), 19-6-831(c), 26-57-247(b), 26-57-249(b), 26-57-255(g), 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b)
Old version SB358 V3 - 4-3-2023 01:28 PM: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215, 19-6-831(b), 19-6-831(c), 26-57-247(b), 26-57-249(b), 26-57-255(g), 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b)
Old version SB358 V4 - 4-5-2023 07:34 PM: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215, 19-6-831(b), 19-6-831(c), 26-57-247(b), 26-57-249(b), 26-57-255(g), 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b)
SB 358: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215, 19-6-831(b), 19-6-831(c), 26-57-247(b), 26-57-249(b), 26-57-255(g), 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b)
Act 629: 2-15-503(5), 2-15-515(a), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215, 19-6-831(b), 19-6-831(c), 26-57-247(b), 26-57-249(b), 26-57-255(g), 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b)