Arkansas officials say Hot Springs medical marijuana dispensary could lose license due to violations

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Arkansas state officials said Thursday that a medical marijuana dispensary in Hot Springs could lose its license due to ongoing violations.

According to the Department of Finance and Administration, the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division issued a license revocation for Green Springs Medical Dispensary. State officials said this is the first revocation issued since the medical marijuana industry launched in 2019.

DFA officials said the dispensary has had ongoing violations, including selling expired items, sanitation issues, maintaining inventory, records and several others.

“For the safety of the industry and patients, ABC has a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law,” Trent Minner, leader of the Department of Finance and Administration’s Regulatory Division, said. “Despite receiving over 50 violations and warnings over the last four years, Green Springs has continued its pattern of noncompliance.”

State officials noted that Green Springs can appeal the revocation to the ABC Board, in which it can remain open pending the appeal. If appealed, the ABC will determine whether to uphold the revocation. If the ABC Board revokes the dispensary’s license, it can appeal to the Circuit Court.

Green Springs Medical Dispensary was the second to open in Arkansas in May 2019. There are 38 dispensaries in the state.

Since the first dispensary opened in the state, officials said that more than $1.10 billion has been spent on medical marijuana purchases. State officials said that 2023 was the biggest year for sales, bringing in $283 million.

from KARK https://ift.tt/NvRSxLK