SAFETY FIRST! Green Springs Dispensary’s License Terminated for Selling Expired Products

The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) has issued the first revocation of a dispensary license since the medical marijuana market began in 2019.

Green Springs Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hot Springs had its dispensary license terminated by the ABC owing to “ongoing violations, most recently selling more than 1,800 expired products,” according to the Arkansas Department of Finance. After issuing a “verbal warning,” ABC enforcement officials went undercover in October 2023 to purchase some of the dispensary’s outdated items.

“For the safety of the industry and patients, ABC has a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law,” Trent Minner, leader of DFA’s Regulatory Division, stated. “Despite getting over 50 citations and warnings in the last four years, Green Springs has maintained its pattern of noncompliance. A license to operate in Arkansas’ medicinal marijuana sector is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. When state law is routinely ignored, ABC is obligated to cancel the license.”

DFA alleges numerous violations, including failing to keep processing facilities clean, maintaining periodic inventory information, certifying scales, keeping accurate personal records, maintaining video surveillance, and more.

It was Arkansas’ second dispensary to open. The state now has 38 dispensaries in operating.

“Enforcement agents consistently share information with permit holders to streamline processes and avoid potential violations,” ABC Director Christy Bjornson stated. “When a dispensary defies ABC’s warnings, violations, and advice, the only alternative is revocation. We anticipate an appeal and are looking forward to presenting our position to the board.

Green Springs has the option of appealing the revocation to the ABC Board. If the company decides to appeal, the dispensary will be free to continue operations while the appeal is pending. During the appeal process, the permit holder for Green Springs and ABC staff will give testimony to the board. They will next decide whether to overturn or uphold the revocation.

If the ABC Board rules in favor of the latter, Green Springs can file an appeal with the Circuit Court.