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.
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.
To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products, E-liquid Products, And Alternative Nicotine Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend Membership Of The Arkansas State Board Of Public Accountancy; To Amend Law Concerning The Arkansas State Board Of Public Accountancy; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.
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.
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.
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.
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)