Arkansas Judge Voids 27 Medical Cannabis Laws Passed by Lawmakers to Change Voter-Approved Amendment

An Arkansas judge last week voided 27 medical cannabis laws passed by lawmakers to amend the voter-approved law, calling the changes unconstitutional, THV11 reports. The laws voided were passed in 2017, 2019, and 2021 and included THC limits on edibles, how the state collected taxes on cannabis, and industry marketing. 

The lawsuit was brought by cannabis companies Good Farm Arkansas and Capital City Medicinals against the State of Arkansas, and the Department of Finance and Administration, and Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.   

Following the ruling, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, said the ruling by Judge Morgan “Chip” Welch was disappointing and “contrary to the law.” He said he plans to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court “expeditiously.” 

Of the now null and void laws, 24 of them were passed in 2017, two in 2019, and one in 2021. Among them include the law creating the state’s Medical Marijuana Commission, allowing criminal background checks for cannabis business licensees, banning Arkansas National Guard members from being caregivers for medical cannabis patients, a telemedicine ban for medical cannabis patients, tax laws, medical cannabis packaging, cannabis cultivation facility safety and security requirements, and others.  

The original text of the amendment that was approved by voters to legalize medical cannabis will remain in effect as initially written.