Arkansas medical marijuana sales on pace for record year

Arkansas medical marijuana sales skyrocketed to over $193 million from January to August 2025, reflecting a notable recovery from the previous year’s decline. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported an increase of more than $10 million year-over-year, with over 109,000 active patient cards and sales of more than 52,000 pounds of cannabis products. Tax revenue from these sales reached over $21 million in 2025, including $5 million generated in the last two months alone. On average, Arkansans are spending about $800,000 daily on medical marijuana, positioning 2025 to be the state’s highest sales year yet. A new law, Act 657, allocates a portion of the tax revenue to combat food insecurity, funding free or reduced-price school lunches and food banks.

Scott Hardin, a department spokesperson, emphasized the law’s potential to creatively address hunger across the state. Since medical marijuana legalization in 2019, Arkansas has seen over $1. 5 billion in cannabis sales, generating more than $105 million in tax revenue. This financial boost not only supports the cannabis industry but also aims to alleviate pressing social issues like food insecurity.