Arkansas state authorities took decisive action against ongoing violations at a medical marijuana dispensary located in Hot Springs. Here’s what you need to know:
Violations Prompt License Revocation
The Department of Finance and Administration announced on Thursday the revocation of Green Springs Medical Dispensary’s license by the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. This marks the first instance of a license revocation since the inception of Arkansas’s medical marijuana program in 2019.
Persistent Noncompliance
State officials cited a series of ongoing violations at the dispensary, including selling expired products, sanitation issues, inventory management discrepancies, and record-keeping lapses. Despite receiving over 50 violations and warnings in the last four years, Green Springs continued to operate in defiance of compliance standards.
ABC’s Responsibility to Ensure Compliance
Trent Minner, leader of the Department of Finance and Administration’s Regulatory Division, emphasized the importance of maintaining industry standards and patient safety. The ABC Division has a responsibility to enforce compliance with state laws governing medical marijuana operations.
Legal Recourse for Green Springs
Although the dispensary has the option to appeal the revocation to the ABC Board, it can continue operations pending the appeal process. However, if the revocation is upheld by the ABC Board, Green Springs may further appeal the decision to the Circuit Court.
Impact and Context
Green Springs Medical Dispensary, which opened its doors in May 2019, was among the pioneering medical marijuana establishments in Arkansas. With 38 dispensaries currently operating in the state, the medical cannabis industry has seen significant growth since its inception.
Growth of Arkansas’s Medical Marijuana Program
Since the launch of the state’s medical marijuana program, patients have collectively spent over $1.10 billion on cannabis purchases. Notably, 2023 witnessed record sales, with revenues totaling $283 million, underscoring the increasing demand for medical cannabis products in Arkansas.
As regulatory authorities continue to uphold industry standards, ensuring compliance remains paramount for safeguarding patient welfare and maintaining the integrity of the state’s medical marijuana program.
