Since the opening of the first dispensary in May 2019, Arkansas has sold almost 10,050 pounds of medical marijuana worth $63.37 million, according to a report released by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
The coronavirus outbreak has seen a slump in the sales of many industries, but the cannabis industry has emerged a winner in the storm.
Green Springs Medical dispensary in Hot Springs alone has sold about 2,000 pounds of medical marijuana in total sales till April 16. It is also the largest dispensary in the state of Arkansas.
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Not only was there no decrease in sales, but most dispensaries across the state saw a surge in demand which was fulfilled mostly through a delivery system to meet the strict social distancing norms enforced by most governors across the country.
Medical marijuana was legalized in Arkansas in 2016 but dispensaries could begin operations only in May last year due to legal derailments.
Out of the 35 dispensaries that were awarded licenses initially, only 21 are in operation and they had to pay a $15,000 licensing fee, as well as a $100,000 performance bond.
The industry has been facing further difficulties in terms of advertising as well. Arkansas lawmakers passed a bill that barred medical cannabis companies from advertising to audiences made up of more than 30 percent children, and from placing ads within 1,000 feet of schools or day-cares.
Advertisements also cannot appear on public transit, and stiff restrictions are in place on TV, radio, print media, and online advertising.
Despite these hurdles, the dispensaries have managed to procure profitable sales and new stores are on the horizon soon.
Apart from Green Springs Medical which recorded the highest sales in the state, some of the other notable dispensaries are The Releaf Center in Bentonville with 1,075.84 pounds of sales, Acanza in Fayetteville with 870.77 pounds, The Source in Bentonville which sold 854.78 pounds, and Native Green Wellness in Hensley which sold 833.83 pounds.
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The full list of dispensaries along with their sales numbers are listed below:
- Suite 443 (Hot Springs) first opened on Friday, May 10, the company sold 485.44 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Suite 443 (Hot Springs) first opened on Friday, May 10, the company sold 485.44 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Arkansas Natural Products (Clinton) first opened on Thursday, June 20, the company sold 305.63 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Greenlight Dispensary (Helena) first opened on Thursday, June 27, the company sold 335.00 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Native Green Wellness (Hensley) first opened on Tuesday, July 2, the company sold 833.83 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Fiddler’s Green (Mountain View) first opened on Thursday, July 11, the company sold 748.44 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Releaf Center (Bentonville) first opened on Wednesday, August 7, the company sold 1,075.84 pounds of medical marijuana.
- The Source (Bentonville) first opened on Thursday, August 15, the company sold 854.78 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Acanza (Fayetteville) first opened on Saturday, September 14, the company sold 870.77 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Harvest (Conway) first opened on Friday, October 11, the company sold 740.62 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Purspirit Cannabis (Fayetteville) opened on Wednesday, November 20, the company sold 370.61 pounds of medical marijuana.
- NEA Full Spectrum (Brookland) opened on Monday, December 9, the company sold 378.41 pounds of medical marijuana.
- 420 Dispensary (Russellville) opened on Tuesday, December 17, the company sold 153.38 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Fort Cannabis (Fort Smith) opened on Wednesday, December 18, the company sold 327.18 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Red River Remedy (Texarkana) opened on Friday, January 10 (2020), the company sold 82.44 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Bloom Medicinals (Texarkana) opened on Wednesday, January 15 (2020), the company sold 25.05 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Plant Family Therapeutics (Mountain Home) opened on Monday, February 3 (2020), the company sold 205.63 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Harvest House of Cannabis (Little Rock) opened on Friday, February 14 (2020), the company sold 66.11 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Herbology (Little Rock) opened on Wednesday, February 26 (2020), the company sold 26.17 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Custom Cannabis (Alexander) opened on Thursday, March 5 (2020), the company sold 32.21 pounds of medical marijuana.
- Natural Relief Dispensary (Sherwood) opened on March 17 (2020), the company sold 105.00 pounds of medical marijuana.
