Arkansas Hemp Laws: Where THCA Fits In
Arkansas maintains a strict division between hemp and marijuana, even though both plants naturally produce THCA. Because Arkansas follows the federal definition of hemp, THCA is legal statewide - but only when it stays within the state’s total THC limits.
As THCA flower becomes one of the most popular hemp products in the country, Arkansas consumers want clarity on whether it’s actually legal to purchase, possess, and ship. Here’s the complete breakdown.
What Is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in raw hemp and cannabis.
It is:
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Non-psychoactive until heated
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The precursor to Δ9-THC
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Classified as a hemp cannabinoid when derived from legal hemp
When THCA is heated — through smoking, vaping, or cooking — it converts into Δ9-THC through decarboxylation, creating the familiar psychoactive effect.
Because THCA itself doesn’t cause intoxication, it remains federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as Δ9-THC levels stay below 0.3% dry weight.
Federal Law and Arkansas Alignment
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and all cannabinoids found in hemp, including THCA, provided the product contains:
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≤ 0.3% Δ9-THC by dry weight
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Is derived from legally grown hemp
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Includes a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Arkansas adopted this same standard through the Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act.
This means THCA is legal on paper - but with one major catch.
Arkansas Uses “Total THC,” Not Just Δ9-THC
Arkansas tests hemp products using a total THC formula, which calculates:
Total THC = Δ9-THC + (THCA × 0.877)
This formula measures how much THC the product could produce AFTER heating, not just what it contains in its raw form.
Because THCA flower naturally contains high THCA levels, many strains can exceed Arkansas’s 0.3% total THC limit — even if they are federally compliant under Δ9-only testing.
Is THCA Legal in Arkansas?
✔ Yes — THCA is legal if it meets total THC limits
THCA is legal in Arkansas when:
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The flower or extract contains ≤ 0.3% total THC
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It is hemp-derived, not marijuana-derived
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It has a valid COA confirming compliance
✘ Not legal — if total THC exceeds 0.3%
Any THCA product that surpasses the total THC limit is legally classified as marijuana and may only be sold through the state’s medical marijuana program.
This is why buying from reputable, COA-verified hemp brands is essential.
What Arkansas Consumers Can Legally Buy
Arkansas permits the sale of hemp products that meet total THC limits, including:
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THCA flower (only if compliant)
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THCA pre-rolls
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THCA concentrates and extract-based products
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THCA edibles and tinctures (must meet total THC limits)
THCA Nugs offers fully compliant, COA-verified, Farm Bill legal flower that can ship to Arkansas discreetly and safely.
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Why COAs Are Essential in Arkansas
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) proves legal compliance by listing:
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Δ9-THC percentage
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THCA percentage
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Total THC calculation
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Cannabinoid profile
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Lab accreditation information
Without a COA, the product may legally be considered marijuana.
Scientific Insight
Peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Pharmacology has shown THCA may offer:
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Anti-inflammatory benefits
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Neuroprotective effects
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Anti-nausea support
Because THCA is non-intoxicating until heated, it is increasingly used for wellness and recovery.
Final Word
THCA is legal in Arkansas when it is hemp-derived, properly tested, and within the state’s total THC limit.
However, due to strict testing rules, consumers should only buy from transparent, lab-verified hemp companies to ensure compliance.
For premium, potent, federally legal THCA flower, shop THCA Nugs - discreet delivery, COA-verified batches, and full Farm Bill compliance.
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