An Arkansas State Representative has alleged that several of the top ten medical marijuana cultivation applicants may not be in compliance with tax requirements.
Scott Baltz, a Democratic lawmaker from Pocahontas, sent a letter to the director of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Friday (March 9) asking for documentation to verify the claim.
In that letter, Batlz said “It has come to my attention that several of the top 10, including the top five medical marijuana cultivator license applications are rumored to not be in compliance with the requirements of Sections IV.4.a.vii and V.4.biii.7.”
IV.4.a.vii reads: Has no outstanding tax delinquencies owed to the State of Arkansas.
IV.4.biii.7 reads: The entity has no owner, board member, or officer that owes delinquent taxes to the State of Arkansas.
Representative Baltz said in a telephone interview Saturday (March 10), that he does not have a group awarded a cultivation license in his district.
“I don’t have a dog in the fight,” he said. “I don’t want to accuse anyone, the top five or others. I just want to make sure their taxes are right and we are doing our due diligence. We got to do it right. If there is an issue we have to correct it.”
The five companies selected to grow medical marijuana in Arkansas have paid their fees to be licensed.
•Natural State Medicinals Cultivation of Jefferson County
•Bold Team LLC of Woodruff County
•Natural State Wellness Enterprises of either Jefferson and Jackson counties
•Osage Creek Cultivation of Carroll county
•Delta Medical Cannabis Company Inc of Jackson County
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission rules and regulations can be found here.
Baltz has asked the director to present the information before the commissions next meeting this Wednesday (March 14).
