Date of Graduation

8-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Innovation

Advisor/Mentor

Way, Kelly

Committee Member/Reader

Johnston, Nick

Committee Member/Second Reader

Siahmakoun, Lobat

Abstract

This research delves into the legal aspects of introducing cannabis tourism to Arkansas. The objective of this study was to create a framework for hospitality professionals in Arkansas to understand what areas of recreational cannabis law would impact their industry should Arkansas legalize recreational cannabis. Through a document analysis comparing Arkansas and Colorado’s liquor and cannabis laws, this study investigated how both states regulate alcohol and cannabis and the legal challenges Colorado has seen since its inception of recreational cannabis sales.

Challenges to this study included a limited existing body of knowledge for cannabis tourism and the contradicting federal and state cannabis policies in the United States. Results illuminated the complex nature of regulating cannabis and alcohol, revealed the cultural differences between Arkansas and Colorado, and emphasized the importance of hospitality professionals’ participation in crafting Arkansas’s cannabis policy. The findings offer guidance and suggestions for safely and efficiently introducing cannabis tourism to Arkansas.

Keywords

cannabis tourism; cannabis law; Arkansas tourism

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