Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Since June 25, 2024, the Pine Bluff Police Department Vice & Narcotics Division has been conducting a thorough investigation into smoke shops across the city, focusing on illegal sales of marijuana products deceptively labeled as legal hemp. These products, often marketed as THC-A, were found to be misrepresented and dangerous, according to law enforcement officials.
As part of the investigation, many shop owners argued they believed they were following state regulations, referencing Arkansas State Statute § 5-64-215. This law does allow the sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol products, but only if they contain no more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. However, when the products seized during the operation were analyzed by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, the findings painted a much different picture. Lab results showed that some of these so-called legal products contained THC concentrations well above the legal limit, with some registering 1 percent or more, making them illegal under Arkansas law.
Cease and Desist Orders Issued as Shops Face Criminal Charges
Following the lab confirmations, detectives from Vice and Narcotics took swift action. They returned to each smoke shop and issued cease-and-desist orders, informing owners that the illegal products must be immediately removed from shelves. While some businesses cooperated and stopped selling the products, others ignored the warnings and continued to offer the illegal items. Those who failed to comply are now facing criminal charges, which have been referred to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities stressed the seriousness of the situation and reminded business owners and consumers alike that, “The public should be aware that although THC-A itself is not psychoactive, when it is combusted or heated—as occurs when smoking or vaping—it converts to Delta-9 THC, which is psychoactive and classified as a Schedule VI controlled substance if it exceeds 0.3% on a dry weight basis.”
Under Arkansas law, any material containing more than the legal threshold, or any synthetically converted THC products such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and other variants, are classified as marijuana. These substances cannot be sold without a proper medical marijuana license. Furthermore, products disguised as hemp but chemically designed to mimic marijuana effects are strictly prohibited.
Arkansas Law is Clear Despite Confusion Over Federal Hemp Rules
Part of the issue stems from widespread confusion among retailers and consumers regarding the legality of THC-A products. Many have misunderstood the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which set guidelines for hemp products at the national level. However, Arkansas law is more restrictive.
Recent reviews and legislation, spearheaded by Senator Tyler Deave and backed by legal interpretations from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Health, have made it clear that psychoactive hemp derivatives are not permitted under state law. These agencies support the language in Arkansas Code § 5-64-215, which outlines strict definitions of what constitutes legal hemp products in the state.
The Pine Bluff Police Department is now urging all retailers to “immediately remove THC-A flower products and any chemically altered cannabinoid products from their shelves if they exceed legal THC limits.” Officials warn that continuing to sell these items puts shop owners and employees at serious risk of criminal prosecution.
Consumers are also advised to exercise caution. As officials explained, “Just because a product is labeled as ‘THC-A’ or ‘hemp’ does not make it legal. If it gets you high, it likely violates Arkansas controlled substance laws.”
For more information or to report suspicious or illegal sales, residents can contact the Pine Bluff Police Department Vice & Narcotics Division at 870-543-5119. Law enforcement remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring all businesses in Pine Bluff operate within the boundaries of the law.
