The bill SB533 seeks to regulate consumable hemp products in Arkansas by establishing a comprehensive framework under the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board. It introduces new definitions for "industrial hemp" and "consumable hemp products," specifying that industrial hemp must have a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The bill also adds consumable hemp products to the definition of marijuana under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and creates a new subchapter dedicated to their regulation. Key provisions include the requirement for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to obtain permits, undergo background checks, and pay annual privilege fees of $5,000. The bill emphasizes public health and safety, mandating that all consumable hemp products be tested by accredited laboratories and prohibiting marketing strategies that appeal to minors.

Additionally, the bill outlines strict guidelines for the sale and distribution of consumable hemp products, including prohibiting self-service displays and the distribution of free samples near facilities primarily used by minors. It establishes a directory of licensed consumable hemp manufacturers and requires clear signage at points of sale regarding product contents and associated risks. The bill also amends existing laws related to the seizure and forfeiture of property, expanding the scope to include consumable hemp products and ensuring that proceeds from forfeited assets are used strictly for law enforcement purposes. Overall, SB533 aims to enhance regulatory oversight of the hemp market in Arkansas while prioritizing the protection of public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB533 V2 - 4-2-2025 11:26 AM: 2-15-503(5), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215(d), 19-6-301, 19-6-831, 26-57-247(b), 26-57-247, 26-57-249(b), 26-57-249, 26-57-255(g), 26-57-255, 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b), 26-57-256
Old version SB533 V3 - 4-8-2025 10:09 AM: 2-15-503(5), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215(d), 19-6-301, 19-6-831, 26-57-247(b), 26-57-247, 26-57-249(b), 26-57-249, 26-57-255(g), 26-57-255, 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b), 26-57-256
Old version SB533 Original - 3-20-2025 12:35 PM: 2-15-503(5), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215(d), 19-6-301, 19-6-831, 26-57-247(b), 26-57-247, 26-57-249(b), 26-57-249, 26-57-255(g), 26-57-255, 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b), 26-57-256
SB 533: 2-15-503(5), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215(d), 19-6-301, 19-6-831, 26-57-247(b), 26-57-247, 26-57-249(b), 26-57-249, 26-57-255(g), 26-57-255, 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b), 26-57-256
Act 934: 2-15-503(5), 5-64-101(16), 5-64-215(a), 5-64-215(d), 19-6-301, 19-6-831, 26-57-247(b), 26-57-247, 26-57-249(b), 26-57-249, 26-57-255(g), 26-57-255, 26-57-256(a), 26-57-256(b), 26-57-256