LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's a multi-million dollar industry in Arkansas—medical marijuana.
Back in 2016, Arkansas voters passed a law legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, allowing up to 40 dispensaries statewide. However, nearly a decade later, not all of the licenses have been given out.
Now, with one dispensary in Hot Springs recently losing its license, some are wondering when the program will be complete.
Earlier this year, Green Springs Medical Dispensary had its license revoked because it was selling expired products and not following Arkansas law.
While the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has taken back the license, the previous owner has filed two lawsuits to appeal the decision.
However, even if those lawsuits are found in favor of the owner, the board will not reinstate the license.
"Right now, the Medical Marijuana Commission is under an active temporary restraining order that says you can't issue any dispensary licenses at this time," said Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission.
In 2022, Absolute Essence, an unsuccessful license applicant, filed a lawsuit against the state, saying the application process was unfair.
Since then, no licenses can be granted until this litigation is decided.
People look at Oklahoma... and see thousands of dispensaries, and they look at Arkansas and say, 'Why not us? Why can't we have thousands of dispensaries?'" Hardin said.
After voters approved a medical marijuana program in 2016, Arkansas could have up to 40 dispensaries. Because of these lawsuits, three of those licenses have yet to be given out, meaning we will only have 37 dispensaries until something changes.
Absolute Essence and the state will have another court hearing toward the end of August.