Arkansas’s recently amended hemp law regulates the sale, use, and possession of smokable hemp products. According to the Department of Agriculture, the state requires processors to test finished hemp products for their total THC levels. What does this mean for THCA flower in Arkansas?
Can you lawfully buy THCA flower in Arkansas? In this article, we’ll dive into the legality of this product, where to buy it, possession limits and safety.
Last Update: March 16, 2024
Summary
- THCA flower is not legal in Arkansas because the state requires processors to test final hemp products (sold wholesale and retail) for their total THC levels.
- The state amended its hemp laws under SB 358 in April 2023. This bill regulated the sale of smokable hemp products.
- Only licensed processors can sell smokable hemp products directly to consumers. The products must be in a finished form or “publicly marketable.”
- Under federal law, THCA flower is lawful hemp if its delta 9 THC levels don’t exceed 0.3% by weight.
Where to Buy THCA Flower in Arkansas?
You can order THCA flower online from Mr. Hemp Flower, a shop specializing in premium strains.
If you are looking for an expertly grown THCA flower that comes with a Certificate of Analysis, this is your one-stop shop.
Expert growers cultivate our indica, sativa, and hybrid THCA strains on organic, USA-based farms. Their main goal is preserving the strain’s original cannabinoid and terpene profile, so our line of premium strains has high total THC potency.
THCA flower has a complex legal status, so you need to make sure the product you purchase is lawful hemp. As one of the best brands in the industry, Mr. Hemp Flower is a reputable source of hemp flower strains of all types.
Most importantly, a third-party lab tests our THCA flower, so each strain comes with a detailed Certificate of Analysis. This document confirms the strain meets the delta 9 THC threshold and is, therefore, legal hemp.
If you want to treat yourself to expertly cultivated THCA flower grown on licensed hemp farms, click here.
Excellent, perfect balance between cerebral
Excellent, perfect balance between cerebral euphoria and relaxation.
Thank you. MrHempflower
Mark
Is THCa Flower Legal in Arkansas?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Arkansas because the state requires testing of finished hemp products for their total THC levels.
Arkansas amended its hemp laws under SB 358 in April 2023. This bill restricts the sale of smokable hemp products within the state to individuals licensed by the state’s tobacco control board.
This means that only licensed individuals can sell smokable hemp to consumers if their products are in a finished form (pre-rolls, etc.). In addition, processors must test each final batch of floral materials for their total THC content.
Final products offered wholesale and retail (anything sold) must have no more than 0.3% total THC. Otherwise, the state won’t consider their possession and distribution lawful. This means that the state calculates the potential conversion of THCA into THC in the finished product offered at retail.
So, THCA flower is an illegal product in Arkansas as the conversion of THCA into THC exceeds the legal threshold. If the state considered only the delta 9 THC concentration in finished products (as required by federal law), this product would be legal.
Under federal law, the only metric for distinguishing lawful hemp from unlawful marijuana is the delta 9 THC levels. According to cannabis attorney Rod Kight, the ‘total THC’ requirement for finished hemp products is presumably unconstitutional because it redefines “hemp.” But, until challenged, THCA flower remains illegal in this state.
Read more: State-by-State THCa Flower Legality Guide
What is THCA Flower?
THCA flower is essentially smokable hemp with high THCA levels and delta 9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% by weight.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a cannabinoid present in the hemp plant. It plays an important role in the creation of THC as its precursor.
When heated, this cannabinoid converts into delta 9 THC (decarboxylation). This simple process activates THCA, which is non-intoxicating by nature, and converts it into THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid. So, THCA flower offers the same experience as regular marijuana flower.
Is THCA Legal Federally?
If THCA flower contains no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it’s lawful hemp under federal law.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and distinguished it from marijuana based on its delta 9 THC levels. Therefore, THCA flower is legal hemp under federal law if its delta 9 THC concentration tests below 0.3%.
Cultivators test their hemp crops for the total THC levels (0.3% THC + 87.7% THCA) pre-harvest. If the crop tests for no more than 0.3% total THC at 30 days before harvesting, it’s legal hemp. This test accounts for the potential conversion of THCA into THC, and if it tests below 0.3%, it’s hemp.
Is THCA a Controlled Substance in Arkansas?
No, THCA is not a controlled substance in Arkansas if derived from the hemp plant.
This cannabinoid must be part of hemp products with a delta 9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. This distinction separates hemp-derived THCA from marijuana products containing high levels of THC.
Is THCA Flower Safe?
Yes, THCA flower is as safe as regular marijuana flower.
Avoid any adverse effects by limiting the dosage to match your tolerance levels and sensitivity. If consumed in high doses, this type of flower can cause the following adverse effects:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
These side effects will likely clear out on their own within a few hours of consumption. If they intensify instead of resolve, seek medical attention.
Intense adverse effects, like anxiety and paranoia, are caused by a THC overdose. This is not lethal, but a way your body tells you the amount of THC you’ve consumed is too high. Next time, adjust the dose to match your tolerance levels and start as low as possible.
Are There Any THCA Possession Limits in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas has no set possession limits on hemp flower, including THCA flower.
Although this product is likely unlawful in Arkansas, users can purchase smokable hemp products in this state without restrictions on possession and strength.
Final Thoughts: Is THCA Flower Legal in Arkansas?
THCA flower is not legal in Arkansas.
The state prohibits the sale of final hemp products with total THC levels above 0.3%. Due to its high THC content post THCA conversion, this type of flower is likely illegal in Arkansas.
There is a potential discrepancy between state and federal laws regarding the sale of finished products with total THC levels. Federal law considers hemp-derived products with no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC legal hemp. So, by changing the legal THC threshold for finished products, state laws may go against federal law.
