Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1722

Introduced

3/10/25

Refer

3/10/25

Caption

To Provide For The Regulation Of Hemp-derived Products By The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board; To Amend The Arkansas Law To Allow The Regulation And Purchase Of Hemp-derived Products; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

If passed, HB1722 would amend several existing Arkansas laws, specifically altering definitions related to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and imposing strict permitting and regulatory requirements on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of hemp-derived products. The legislation also introduces a tiered licensing system, which necessitates annual fees from business operators who wish to engage in the hemp market, ultimately aiming to protect consumers from contaminated or misbranded products.

Summary

House Bill 1722, introduced by Representative J. Moore and Senator G. Stubblefield, aims to provide comprehensive regulations regarding the sale and distribution of hemp-derived products within Arkansas. The bill mandates that these products, including hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), be regulated by the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board. The aim is to ensure that such products meet quality standards, are safe for consumption, and are marketed appropriately, thereby addressing public health concerns associated with hemp product distribution.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB1722 are likely to evoke debates regarding the impact of these regulations on local businesses, operational costs, and the broader implications for personal freedoms related to hemp product availability. Some members may express concerns about overregulation stifling a burgeoning industry in Arkansas, while others may advocate for stringent oversight to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the bill enforces criminal penalties for violations, classifying unauthorized sales as Class A misdemeanors, which may raise questions about enforcement fairness and the economic ramifications for small business owners.

Latest HB1722 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

AR SB533

To Provide For The Regulation Of Consumable Hemp Products By The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board; And To Amend The Arkansas Law To Allow Regulation And Purchase Of Consumable Hemp Products.

AR SB455

To Allow Regulation Of Hemp Products By Arkansas Tobacco Control; And To Amend The Uniform Controlled Substances Act To Remove Certain Substances That Are Defined As Hemp Products.

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 HB1605

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

IA HF442

A bill for an act relating to marijuana, including the manufacture, delivery, and possession of marijuana, the licensure of retail marijuana, and medical cannabis, providing fees, including excise taxes, establishing funds, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.