Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB605

Introduced
4/1/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/2/25  
Engrossed
4/7/25  
Refer
4/7/25  

Caption

To Create The Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Excise Tax Act; And To Tax Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Products.

Impact

If enacted, SB605 would significantly alter the regulatory landscape surrounding the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol products in Arkansas. By instituting this excise tax, the state could potentially see a boost in revenue that could be allocated to various public services. However, it may also raise prices for consumers, impacting the affordability and accessibility of these products. The tax could also influence the market dynamics, potentially driving some sellers out of the business due to increased financial burdens or leading consumers to seek products in states with more favorable regulation.

Summary

Senate Bill 605, known as the Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Excise Tax Act, proposes the imposition of a 50% excise tax on the sale of delta tetrahydrocannabinol products within Arkansas. The bill establishes a framework for taxing products that contain specific levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) derived from hemp. This initiative aims to generate additional revenue for state funds, reflecting the growing market for hemp-derived products and their psychoactive components in Arkansas. The act specifies how this tax is to be collected, reported, and remitted, largely mirroring the existing procedures under the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act of 1941.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB605 include concerns over the financial implications for local businesses and consumers. Critics may argue that a 50% excise tax could make delta tetrahydrocannabinol products prohibitively expensive, thereby discouraging legal purchases and pushing consumers toward unregulated markets. Additionally, there will likely be debates regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of taxing hemp-derived products, with proponents emphasizing the need for regulation and taxation while opponents warn against excess taxation's potential to stifle emerging markets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

AR HB1725

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.

AR SB414

To Amend The Regional Airport Act; And To Create A Procedure For Annexation And Detachment.

AR HB1779

To Amend The Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit; And To Allow An Income Tax Credit For Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Expansion Projects.

AR HB1661

To Repeal The Sales And Use Tax On Food And Food Ingredients; And To Exempt Food And Food Ingredients From Sales And Use Tax.

AR HJR1007

A Constitutional Amendment To Levy An Excise Tax On Certain Taxable Sales To Reimburse Counties For The Homestead Property Tax Credit And Administer The Application Of The Homestead Property Tax Credit.

AR SR62

To Recognize Delta Companies Inc. And Its One Hundred Years Of Service

AR SB283

Creating The Fentanyl Enforcement And Accountability Act Of 2023; Concerning Fentanyl And Other Controlled Substances; To Establish Increased Penalties; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1456

Creating The Fentanyl Enforcement And Accountability Act Of 2023; Concerning Fentanyl And Other Controlled Substances; To Establish Increased Penalties; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

NJ A3580

Prohibits sale of tetrahydrocannabinol products in certain circumstances.

NJ S2313

Prohibits sale of tetrahydrocannabinol products in certain circumstances.

TX SB1868

Relating to adding certain substances to the Texas Controlled Substances Act and regulating kratom and kratom products; increasing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

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.

VA HB2428

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

VA SB1233

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

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.

ME LD1920

An Act to Prohibit the Sale of Potentially Intoxicating Hemp Products to a Person Under 21 Years of Age