Arkansas Officials Have Seized 6,000 Illegal Hemp-Derived Products Since July

Enforcement Agents for the Regulatory Division, which includes Alcoholic Beverage Control, Tobacco Control and Medical Marijuana oversight, made more than 2,800 in person visits to retailers throughout Arkansas between June 25, 2025 and July 14, 2025. Agents informed owners and managers of the ruling and explained these products must be removed from stock. A letter was also distributed explaining the ban and potential penalties for non-compliance.  Following this statewide outreach, formal enforcement began in mid-July. In addition to seizing thousands of products, two felony arrests were made, and numerous misdemeanor citations were also issued.

“I am proud of our Regulatory Enforcement Agents for their around the clock work to remove these illegal and dangerous products from stores in Arkansas,” said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. “Their work protects all Arkansans, especially our children.”

DFA’s Regulatory Division has more than 30 Enforcement Agents covering the state of Arkansas. Enforcement Agents oversee day to day compliance for alcohol, tobacco, and medical marijuana permit holders.

“While most regulated businesses have complied, a small number of bad actors continue to endanger our communities by intentionally keeping these substances on their shelves or attempting to covertly sell them,” said Regulatory Enforcement Director David Potter. “Many of these products—synthetically produced in foreign laboratories and often packaged to resemble common candies, snacks, or beverages—pose significant risks to public health, particularly to Arkansas youth. The Regulatory Enforcement Division remains committed to its mission of protecting Arkansas communities through proactive enforcement, compliance inspections, and strong partnerships with our regulated businesses.”

In addition to the ban on selling hemp-derived THC products, possession is also illegal.

The letter sent by the Regulatory Division to all permit holders may be found at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/HempBan_NoticeLetter06272025.pdf

For retailers with questions, the Regulatory Division published a “Hemp Notification and Guidance Document” on its website, which can be found at Hemp Notification and Guidance Document.