Arkansas Cannabis & Substances Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for cannabis & substances in the state of Arkansas. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 7 different categories.
CBD Products
LEGALArkansas permits hemp-derived CBD products under the Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 2-15-401 et seq.). Products must contain less than 0.3% THC and comply with state testing and labeling requirements.
Possession
Legal to possess hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC.
Sale
Sale is allowed with compliance to state licensing and testing requirements.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Delta-8 THC
ILLEGALArkansas law (Arkansas Code § 5-64-101) classifies Delta-8 THC as a Schedule I controlled substance if synthetically derived. The Arkansas Hemp Farming Act excludes hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, but Delta-8 produced via chemical conversion is banned. Thus, Delta-8 products are generally illegal unless naturally derived and compliant.
Possession
Illegal if Delta-8 is synthetically produced; legal if naturally derived and compliant with hemp laws.
Retail Sale
Sale of synthetic Delta-8 is prohibited; natural hemp-derived products may be sold under hemp regulations.
Penalties
Possession or sale of synthetic Delta-8 can lead to felony charges.
Age Restriction
21+ for hemp products; Delta-8 generally restricted.
Delta-9 THC Edibles
RESTRICTEDHemp-derived Delta-9 THC edibles are restricted in Arkansas. Act 629 of 2023, which took effect in 2025 after legal challenges, prohibits industrial hemp that contains intoxicating psychoactive substances like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
Possession
Legal with restrictions on potency
Retail Sale
Legal through licensed retailers only
Penalties
Non-compliant products may result in fines.
Age Restriction
21+
Kratom
ILLEGALKratom is illegal in Arkansas. as it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 64, Subchapter 1. Possession, sale, or manufacture is prohibited.
Possession
Illegal to possess kratom.
Sale
Illegal to sell or distribute kratom.
Penalties
Violations can result in felony charges with imprisonment and fines under Arkansas controlled substances laws.
Age Restriction
N/A
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
ILLEGALPsilocybin mushrooms are classified as Schedule I controlled substances under Arkansas Code § 5-64-401. Possession, sale, or manufacture is illegal with criminal penalties.
Possession
Illegal; possession is a criminal offense.
Distribution
Illegal; sale or distribution is a felony.
Penalties
Penalties include imprisonment and fines under Arkansas Code § 5-64-401.
Age Restriction
None (illegal for all ages).
Recreational Marijuana
ILLEGALRecreational marijuana is not legal in Arkansas, but medical marijuana is available with a qualifying condition and state-issued card. There have been no significant legislative changes toward legalizing recreational marijuana from 2023-2026.
Personal Possession
Medical only with state card. Recreational possession under 4 oz is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $2,500 fine). Over 4 oz is a Class D felony.
Retail Purchase
Illegal for recreational purposes. Medical dispensaries operate under Amendment 98. Unlicensed sale is a felony.
Penalties
Under 4 oz: misdemeanor, up to 1 year. 4 oz to 25 lbs: Class D felony (up to 6 years). Over 25 lbs: Class C felony (3-10 years).
Age Restriction
18+ with medical card, 21+ in some programs
Salvia
ILLEGALSalvia divinorum is a controlled or banned substance in Arkansas. No recent changes to the law.
Possession
Illegal. Salvia divinorum is classified as a controlled substance in Arkansas. Possession is a criminal offense.
Sale
Illegal. Sale and distribution of salvia is prohibited in Arkansas.
Penalties
Misdemeanor or felony charges depending on state classification.
Age Restriction
N/A