Arkansas Senate Bill SB305

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Report Pass: 3/11/25
• Engrossed: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/13/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Enrolled: 4/3/25
• Chaptered: 4/9/25
• Passed: 4/9/25

Caption

To Require Certain Testing Of Processed Marijuana Products Sold As Medical Marijuana.

Impact

If enacted, SB305 will significantly impact state laws governing the production and sale of medical marijuana products. This act would enforce stricter regulations on manufacturers, requiring them to ensure that their products are safe for consumer consumption. The testing requirements emphasize the state’s commitment to protecting public health among users of medical marijuana by ensuring products are free from harmful substances and correctly labeled regarding their potency.

Summary

Senate Bill 305 aims to address the safety and quality assurance of marijuana products sold for medical purposes in Arkansas. The proposed legislation mandates that all processed marijuana products—defined as those that have undergone alterations from usable marijuana to forms such as edibles, oils, and tinctures—must undergo testing before they can be sold. This includes necessary examinations for harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological elements, along with verifying the concentrations of active compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Contention

While supporters of SB305 argue that the bill will help ensure patient safety and enhance the legitimacy of medical marijuana products, opponents may raise concerns about the potential financial burden placed on small producers and the implications for market accessibility. Critics might argue that the testing requirements could drive up costs, leading to increased prices for consumers or possibly limiting the variety of products available in the market. Thus, the balance between consumer safety and economic impact on local producers will likely be a key point of discussion as the bill moves through the legislative process.