The Arkansas Times Cannabis and Wellness Expo took place at Simmons Bank Arena, drawing over 1,300 attendees looking to explore the cannabis market. Many visitors aimed to obtain medical marijuana cards, enabling them to legally purchase products from the state’s 37 licensed dispensaries.
Among those attending was Guy Clark, a 40-year-old bartender from Little Rock, who expressed frustration with the current methods of obtaining marijuana. He has relied on friends and dealers in the past but is eager to access the variety offered by dispensaries.
The event featured seven doctors available to provide medical marijuana certifications. To qualify, patients must meet one of 17 criteria, with post-traumatic stress disorder and intractable pain being the most frequently cited conditions. Clark, who has used marijuana for relaxation over the past 30 years, was hopeful about the legal options available.
Telehealth company Leafwell was among the medical providers present, with COO Luke Macfarlan discussing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. He shared that his brother had utilized marijuana to alleviate chemotherapy side effects, emphasizing its role in managing nausea, pain, and anxiety.
The expo showcased numerous cannabis vendors and businesses throughout the arena. Educational panels covered topics such as consumption methods and integrating cannabis into wellness routines. The company 454 Bags promoted eco-friendly packaging solutions for cannabis products, emphasizing sustainability with their slogan, ‘F*ck Plastic: Cannabis Deserves Better.’
WeedMaps, a platform connecting consumers to cannabis products, had a booth to demonstrate its services and help attendees find local dispensaries. Market manager Andy Hille highlighted the platform’s extensive database, positioning it as a comprehensive resource for cannabis shoppers.
Culinary demonstrations were also a highlight, with Trevor Swedenburg from Natural State Medicinals showcasing CBD-infused mustard on hotdogs. Meanwhile, Ebony Blevins from the cannabis brand TICAL screened the 2001 film ‘How High,’ featuring rapper Method Man, who owns the TICAL brand produced in Arkansas.
The expo, which began on Friday, will continue until Sunday, concluding with consumer-focused sessions. This event reflects the growing interest in cannabis and wellness in Arkansas, marking a significant moment in the state’s evolving cannabis landscape.
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