HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) announced the revocation of the dispensary license for Green Springs Medical Dispensary in Hot Springs due to ongoing violations, including selling over 1,800 expired products.
This is the first revocation issued by the ABC since the Arkansas medical marijuana industry launched in mid-2019.
“Arkansans approved a strictly regulated medical marijuana program,” said Trent Minner, leader of the Department of Finance and Administration’s Regulatory Division, which includes ABC. “For the safety of the industry and patients, ABC has a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law. Despite receiving over 50 violations and warnings over the last four years, Green Springs has continued its pattern of noncompliance. A license to operate in the medical marijuana industry in Arkansas is a privilege not to be taken lightly. When state law is consistently disregarded, ABC has a duty to revoke the license.”
According to reports, agents conducted an undercover purchase of expired products in October 2023 following a verbal warning.
Prior violations included failure to maintain clean and sanitary processing areas, failure to maintain biannual inventory information as required, failure to certify scales, failure to maintain accurate personnel records, failure to maintain video surveillance, improper signage, and lack of commercial grade locks.
The dispensary will be able to appeal the revocation to the ABC Board. An appeal would result in an immediate stay and allow it to remain in operation pending the appeal.
If appealed, the Board will listen to testimony from the permit holder and ABC staff before determining whether to uphold the revocation.
“ABC understands education plays a key role in the day-to-day operation of the medical marijuana industry,” said ABC Director Christy Bjornson. “Enforcement agents consistently share information with permit holders to streamline processes and avoid potential violations. Owners and employees are appreciative of this input and typically implement suggested changes to remain compliant. When a dispensary ignores warnings, violations, and guidance offered by ABC, the only remaining option is revocation. We anticipate an appeal and look forward to presenting our case to the Board.”
Green Springs was the second dispensary to open in Arkansas in May 2019. The owner, Dragan Vicentic, said they plan to appeal to the Circut Court if the ABC Board upholds the revocation.
Vicentic said Green Springs is still open for business.
There are 38 dispensaries in operation across Arkansas, and more than $1.10 billion has been spent on medical marijuana purchases since the first dispensary opened.