Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas officials have taken a major step in tightening restrictions on certain hemp-derived products, marking the end of a long legal and legislative battle that focused heavily on public safety and youth protection. Attorney General Tim Griffin announced that he has officially certified Act 934 of 2025, a law that strengthens and expands earlier efforts to ban intoxicating hemp-based substances across the state.
The updated law targets products such as Delta-8, Delta-9, and THC-O, which officials have repeatedly described as dangerous and widely accessible, especially to minors. These items had been sold in everyday locations like convenience stores and gas stations, often without age restrictions, raising serious concerns among lawmakers and enforcement agencies.
“Today, I have certified Act 934 of 2025, which updates and expands a 2023 law that banned the sale and distribution of intoxicating hemp-derived products.
“In March 2023 I issued a consumer alert about Delta THC products because these products ended up in the hands of children, often with serious adverse health effects. The products were often packaged as gummies and drinks and clearly marketed toward children. They were sold online and in convenience stores and gas stations with no age requirements to purchase.
“About a month later, I partnered with Senator Tyler Dees and Representative Jimmy Gazaway who co-sponsored a bill in the 2023 legislative session to combat these synthetic hemp-derived products. That legislative effort was a huge success, passing both the House and the Senate with a super majority.
“An industry coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the ban and was granted an injunction that prevented the new law from being enforced. I immediately appealed the ruling.
“I again worked with Senator Dees and Representative Gazaway in the 2025 legislative session to update the 2023 law. Representative Jon Eubanks, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, was instrumental in helping get the bill passed, and I commend his commitment to protecting Arkansans from these dangerous products.
“Last summer, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reversed the injunction on the 2023 law, allowing the state to implement its ban on these harmful products.
“The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration got these products off the shelf. In less than three months after the 2025 legal victory, DFA seized more than 6,000 illegal hemp products in Arkansas. DFA enforcement agents made more than 2,800 in-person visits around the state in less than a month.
“There were a few lingering issues to wrap up in the underlying lawsuit, and several weeks ago we got a final judgment in our favor, winning on a motion for judgment on the pleadings.
“It has been a long road to get to this point, but I am proud of my team for successfully defending the 2023 law, and I am happy to finally certify this Act.”
Lawmakers emphasize child safety and enforcement success
The certification of Act 934 comes after years of legal challenges and legislative adjustments. Initially passed in 2023, the law faced resistance from industry groups, which resulted in a court injunction that temporarily blocked enforcement. However, that ruling was later overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, clearing the way for Arkansas to move forward with its ban.
Following the legal victory, state agencies quickly acted. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration removed thousands of products from store shelves, conducting widespread enforcement efforts that reached communities across the state.
Supporters of the law have consistently pointed to its role in protecting children. State Senator Tyler Dees stressed the urgency behind the legislation, stating, “Protecting our children is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and that’s why I co-sponsored this law. Dangerous, unregulated products were consistently ending up in the hands of minors, but with this law, we have solved that problem. The profits of those who peddle these products no longer take priority over our kids.”
State Representative Jimmy Gazaway echoed similar concerns, highlighting how these products had been marketed and sold. “Today’s certification conclusively ends the practice of selling illegal and intoxicating hemp-derived products in Arkansas. These products were essentially recreational, synthetic marijuana and were sold to Arkansans at gas stations and convenience stores with no age requirements and were deceptively labeled as safe and legal. I am proud to have co-sponsored Act 934 to provide oversight and to protect Arkansas consumers from these dangerous products.”
Representative Jon Eubanks also emphasized the clarity of the issue and the importance of addressing it directly. “As Chairman of the House Rules Committee, I was proud to lend my support to this bill. This was a clear problem with a clear solution, and I am pleased that these products no longer pose a threat to the safety of kids in Arkansas.”
With the certification now complete, Arkansas officials say the law will continue to be enforced, closing a chapter on a complex battle and setting a firm stance against the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products statewide.
