Arkansas CANNABIS BUSINESS LICENSE

Arkansas Cannabis Business License Applications

Interested in starting a cannabis business in Arkansas? The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission (AMMC) oversees licensing for medical marijuana businesses under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment (Issue 6, 2016). Below, we outline the current status of cannabis business license applications in Arkansas, including dispensary, cultivation, processor, and transporter licenses.

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Are Cannabis Business Applications Open in Arkansas?

Currently, the availability of cannabis business license applications in Arkansas depends on the license type. Here’s the latest status:

Dispensary and Cultivation Licenses: Closed. All 40 dispensary licenses and 8 cultivation licenses have been issued or are in litigation. No new application periods are announced, but opportunities may arise if licenses are revoked or new ones authorized.
Processor and Transporter Licenses: Open. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no cap on the number of licenses issued.
Testing Facility Licenses: Open. Managed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Ready to apply or need help preparing? Contact Us for Expert Guidance

Stay Informed

Dispensary Licenses

Status: Closed

Arkansas has allocated all 40 dispensary licenses, with 38 operational and 2 in litigation as of 2024. These licenses allow retail sales of medical cannabis to qualifying patients and limited cultivation (up to 50 mature plants).

Application Fee: $7,500 (half refundable if not selected)
Licensing Fee: $15,000
Performance Bond: $100,000
Requirements: Arkansas residency (7 years), no felony convictions, proof of $200,000 in assets, compliance with zoning (1,500 feet from schools, churches, or daycares).

Next Steps: Monitor the AMMC website for announcements about future application rounds. Email mmc@arkansas.gov for updates.

Cultivation Licenses

Status: Closed

All 8 cultivation licenses have been issued, with 5 operational as of 2021. These licenses permit large-scale cultivation and sales to dispensaries.

Application Fee: $15,000
Licensing Fee: $100,000
Performance Bond: $500,000
Requirements: Proof of $1 million in assets ($500,000 liquid), Arkansas residency (7 years), no felony convictions, zoning compliance (3,000 feet from sensitive areas).

Next Steps: Check mmc.arkansas.gov for news on license revocations or new opportunities.

Processor Licenses

Status: Open (Rolling Basis)

Processor licenses allow the creation of medical cannabis products (e.g., edibles) for sale through dispensaries. There’s no limit on licenses issued.

Application Fee: $5,000
Performance Bond: $100,000
Requirements: Detailed business plan, security protocols, product safety standards, background checks.

How to Apply: Download forms from mmc.arkansas.gov and submit with required documentation. Processing takes a few months, including inspections.

Transporter Licenses

Status: Open (Rolling Basis)

Transporter licenses permit secure transport of medical cannabis between licensed facilities. There’s no cap on licenses.

Application Fee: $5,000
Performance Bond: $100,000
Requirements: Transport plan (vehicle security, GPS tracking), METRC compliance, background checks.

How to Apply: Submit applications via mmc.arkansas.gov. Expect a few months for review and inspections.

Testing Facility Licenses

Status: Open (Rolling Basis)

Managed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), these licenses authorize testing for quality and safety.

Requirements: Testing protocols, lab certifications, background checks.
Contact: Call 1-833-214-8619 or email adh.medicalmarijuana@arkansas.gov for application forms.

How to Apply: Contact ADH for guidance and submit required documentation.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Regulatory Compliance: All licensees must use the Metrc system for inventory tracking and comply with security and zoning regulations.
Proposed Changes: The 2024 Medical Marijuana Expansion Initiative (Issue 3) was disqualified, so no new licensing opportunities were added.
Expert Assistance: Navigating Arkansas’s cannabis licensing process can be complex. Consult with professionals to ensure compliance and strengthen your application.

Find a date and time to speak with a team member

What You Need to Apply

These are the top items to prepare when you apply for a cannabis business license application:

Decide what type of cannabis business license you would like to pursue.

Review the list of cannabis business license types available in your state, to determine what might be the best fit for you and your business goals.

Assemble Your Team

Different states require certain team structures on your state license application. Regardless of the state requirements, there are a number of considerations to structuring your team, including state residency, ownership restrictions, past cannabis experience, and more.

Secure a Property

Prior to obtaining a license you will need to secure property that is zoned correctly and able to support the needs of a cannabis business. This can, at times, be the most challenging part of the process.

Obtain Local Approval For Your Cannabis Business

Our team has worked with countless municipalities to assist our clients in obtaining compliant properties in correctly zoned areas, so we know how challenging this can be. You may be required to present to your mayor, city council, zoning board, and variance board. If you do not secure municipal cannabis business license approval, you will not be able to win a state cannabis business license.

Win a License and Keep Your Cannabis Business Compliant

Application requirements vary between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and narrative forms surrounding the expectations you have for your business. Either way, these need to be compliant with all state, local, and federal regulations. Ensuring that you are compliant is one of the most important steps in the application process. Beyond the application, once operational, your SOPs will be the heartbeat of your organization and your ability to keep your license.

Ready to find success in the cannabis industry?

Canna Business Services has years of experience drafting award-winning applications and building compliant cannabis businesses. Please set up a meeting with us today to pursue your cannabis dreams!