Arkansas Businesses Sue State Over Hemp-Derived THC Ban

Four Arkansas businesses are suing the state of Arkansas over its ban on hemp-derived THC products, THV11 reports. Abtin Mehdizadegan, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said the law violates the federal Farm Bill of 2018 and federal protections of interstate commerce.

“I believe all of our clients support reasonable regulation of these substances. This law doesn’t do that.” — Mehdizadegan to THV11

State Sen. Tyler Dees (R) told THV11 that the law aims to keep THC products out of the hands of children. He said he is “not surprised to see a lawsuit by those worried more about their profits than the protection of children and other consumers.”

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin told THV11 that he supports the law and plans to defend it in court.

Mehdizadegan said he believes “the entirety of the act needs to be enjoined and set aside” and that lawmakers need “to come back and come up with something workable that treats hemp for what it is as an agricultural commodity.”

The ban took effect August 1. It covers hemp-derived delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, and delta-10 THC and each is now included on the state’s controlled substances list. The law also includes provisions requiring any retailer that wishes to sell any hemp-derived consumable products to get a permit from Arkansas Tobacco Control.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court.

Get daily cannabis business news updates. Subscribe