AR HB1371

Modifies Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 residency requirement from 60% of individuals to individuals collectively owning at least 60% total interest in dispensaries and cultivation facilities must be current Arkansas residents with 7 consecutive years of state residency.

Maintains individual applicant requirement that persons submitting applications to license dispensaries or cultivation facilities must be current Arkansas residents with 7 consecutive years of state residency.

Clarifies that dispensaries cannot be located within 1,500 feet of public schools, churches, or daycare centers existing before the application date; cultivation facilities cannot be located within 3,000 feet of such facilities.

Requires criminal background checks on owners, board members, and officers; prohibits those convicted of excluded felonies, previous owners of revoked licenses, and individuals under 21 years of age from holding these positions.

Mandates licenses be issued only in the name of natural persons with ownership interest, applying standards similar to Alcoholic Beverage Control Division permit requirements.