ARKANSAS, USA — Medical marijuana businesses in Arkansas are preparing for potential shifts in regulation, research, and pricing after President Donald Trump reclassified marijuana as a less-dangerous drug.
Amanda Strickland, CEO of The Source Medical Cannabis Shop in Rogers, said the move could bring federal recognition to state-regulated programs and eventually benefit patients.
“Now our state-regulated programs will be recognized federally, and that’s a big deal that gives a lot of power to Arkansans,” Strickland said.
Strickland said she expects the change to help lower prices and improve products over time.
“Ultimately, this will lead to lower prices. Absolutely will lead to better products, no doubt better products,” she said.
Strickland said the shift could also mean new compliance requirements, including registration and oversight tied to federal regulators.
“We will be registered with the DEA. We will have to comply with whatever type of regulation that they want to put on us,” she said. “However, as a state, as Arkansans, I believe that we’re uniquely prepared.”
Strickland said reclassification could expand opportunities for cannabis research and make it easier for patients to discuss treatment options with medical providers.
“We’re going to be able to research cannabis more freely,” she said. “Your doctor is going to be able to talk to you more openly about your options.”
Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton criticized the reclassification in a post on X, citing concerns about marijuana potency and public safety.
“Marijuana today is much more potent than just ten or 20 years ago, leading to increased psychosis, anti-social behavior, and fatal car crashes,” Cotton wrote.
Cotton added that “Arkansans don’t want more dangerous drugs obtained more easily,” calling the reclassification “a step in the wrong direction.”
Strickland said the change could broaden the policy debate in Arkansas, but said additional action from lawmakers would still be needed to expand what the industry can do.
“We still will have to work with our legislators to expand what we can do,” she said, adding that she believes the issue is “nonpartisan.”
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