Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1578

Introduced

2/25/25

Refer

2/25/25

Failed

5/5/25

Caption

To Establish The Arkansas Hemp Beverage Act.

Impact

The Arkansas Hemp Beverage Act mandates that all parties involved in the hemp beverage process—manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers—obtain appropriate permits from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. This ensures that hemp beverages sold in the state meet regulation thresholds. Additionally, products must undergo independent testing for compliance with THC limits and contaminants, which would not only set a new standard for market integrity but also facilitate the safe inclusion of these beverages in the state's existing alcohol distribution system.

Summary

House Bill 1578, titled the Arkansas Hemp Beverage Act, aims to regulate the production and sale of hemp-based beverages within Arkansas. It establishes a framework ensuring that manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers comply with existing alcohol beverage laws while allowing the introduction of hemp products containing legally acceptable levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The bill seeks to create a regulated market for these beverages, recognizing their potential economic benefits within the state and aiming to ensure public safety through adherence to health standards.

Contention

Despite its economic potential, the bill has raised concerns among certain stakeholders regarding the implications of introducing hemp-based beverages into the market. Critics may argue that the new regulations could complicate the existing three-tier alcohol distribution framework. Additionally, there are worries about underage access to these beverages, although the stipulation that sales are restricted to individuals aged twenty-one and older addresses this concern. Ensuring that labels do not appeal to minors and do not mislead consumers is another critical aspect of this legislation, which aims to balance economic growth with public health considerations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1605

To Provide Regulation Of Hemp-derived Products By The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board.

AR SB358

To Prohibit Industrial Hemp That Contain Certain Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Substances; To Include Certain Tetrahydrocannabinol In The List Of Schedule Vi Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB487

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; To Authorize The Third-party Delivery Of Alcoholic Beverages From Certain Retailers; And To Create A Third-party Delivery Permit.

AR HB1380

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Amend The Law Regarding Tasting Events.

AR SB443

To Create The Arkansas Employment First Act; To Establish The Arkansas Office Of Employment First; To Establish The Employment First Advisory Committee; And To Establish The Employment First Business Partner Program.

AR SB425

To Establish The Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency Act; To Establish The Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency; And To Establish The Arkansas Apprenticeship Council.

AR HB1234

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1181

To Establish The Counseling Compact In Arkansas.

AR SB472

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Authorize A State Park To Sell Alcoholic Beverages For On-premises Consumption Without Obtaining A Permit From The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

AR SB411

To Amend The Definition Of "beer" To Change The Allowable Alcoholic Content And To Include Malt Beverages; And To Set The Minimum Container Size Of Beer To Be Sold For Off-premises Consumption.

Similar Bills

CA SB561

Hazardous waste: Emergency Distress Flare Safe Disposal Act.

CA AB2754

Alcoholic beverage control.

CA SB1445

Electric mobility manufacturers.

NH HB1358

Relative to tenant and contract manufacturers of beer, wine, and liquor; allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court; and, restricting the purchase of real property on or around military installations.