Four Marijuana Bills Await Arkansas Governor’s Signature

Governor Asa Hutchinson has four marijuana bills to look over and sign into law. A few others are still circulating, and after a little tweaking they’re expected to make it to the governor’s desk too. This week, a proposed ban on medical marijuana edibles was rejected.

All four bills waiting for the governor’s signature came from the House of Representatives, according to Baxter Bulletin. House Bill 1451 became Act 479 of the 91^st General Assembly last Thursday. This bill makes it impossible for Arkansas members of military service branches or the National Guard from using medical marijuana or becoming a caregiver.

House Bill 1049 (awaiting signature into law) allows the Department of Health or Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to determine what felony charges to exclude for those working in or owning a marijuana business.

House Bill 1436 (awaiting signature into law) require the renewal of marijuana business operation licenses to be renewed by July 1 as they expire on June 30.

House Bill 1460 (awaiting signature into law) lets employers determine whether to allow or prohibit medical marijuana use in some positions.

House Bill 1584 (awaiting signature into law) allows the issuing of temporary licenses for dispensary operations and cultivation facilities when the primary owner is not controlling regular operations of the business.

Medical marijuana edibles will not be banned in Arkansas, according to KATV 7 News. The bill failed in the House, so it will not move further in the Arkansas legislative process. The goal of the bill was to prevent the commercial production of the edibles. Patients and caregivers can still make their own medicated food in the state.