Carpenter Farms' Supreme Court Battle: The $30 Million Arkansas Cannabis Success Story

Building Trust, One Conversation at a Time

There's a reason why so little is known about Carpenter Farms' medical division, and it's not just their location in rural Grady, Arkansas. The Carpenter family leveraged a massive legal struggle to secure their cultivation license—a battle that would shape not only their business but Arkansas's entire cannabis landscape.

It took months, years even, of relationship building before Abraham Carpenter, Jr. would sit down with our cameras for an exclusive Roots & Reefer interview. We couldn't be more grateful for his trust and the opportunity to finally share this remarkable Arkansas story.

A $30 Million Dollar Gamble on Arkansas Agriculture

When Abraham Carpenter, Jr. introduces himself as CEO of Carpenter Farms, you're meeting the leader of a 57-year agricultural legacy that began in 1968. What started as a traditional produce operation—famous across Arkansas for having "the best watermelons"—has transformed into one of the state's premier cannabis cultivation facilities.

But this transformation didn't come easy.

The Three-Year Legal Battle Nobody Talks About

"They took our application and threw it in the trash."

These words from Carpenter still carry the weight of injustice. A single miscalculated number on their initial application became the excuse to deny one of Arkansas's most experienced agricultural operations entry into medical cannabis. But the Carpenter family didn't accept defeat.

Over $1 million in legal fees. Three years in court. Battle after battle, working their way through Arkansas's judicial system until finally reaching the Supreme Court. The verdict was clear: "You treated this man unfairly. Give him a license."

The $30 Million Facility That Redefined Arkansas Cannabis

During the height of COVID, when construction costs doubled, Carpenter Farms invested $30 million into their cultivation facility. As Abraham puts it, "You can literally eat off the floor."

This isn't hyperbole—it's the Carpenter standard.

Starting From Seeds, Not Shortcuts

Unlike other cultivators who imported clones from out-of-state operations, Carpenter Farms took the harder path. They started with seeds. Every. Single. Strain.

This decision reflects the leadership of April Reeves, Carpenter's Director of Cultivation, who has traveled the world procuring genetics and studying cultivation techniques. Under her rigorous oversight, the Carpenter team has pheno-hunted their entire genetic library—31 strains and counting, with over a dozen testing above 30% THC.

"If the Plants Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy"

This simple philosophy drives every decision at Carpenter Farms. From their first harvest—which achieved the highest THC values in the state—to their consistent delivery of premium flower, the Carpenter approach combines:

• 57 years of Arkansas agricultural expertise
• Complete seed-to-sale genetic control
• Meticulous curing processes developed in-house
• A family and workforce that takes personal pride in every plant

The Carpenter Difference: Why Patients Notice

The next time you open a jar of Twisted K Kush, Desert Lime, or Honest Abe, you're experiencing more than just cannabis. You're holding the result of:

• A Supreme Court victory for fairness
• A $30 million commitment to excellence
• April Reeves's dedication to original genetic development
• Nearly 60 years of Arkansas farming heritage

Every worker, every family member at Carpenter Farms shares the same pride. As Abraham notes, "Everybody that smokes it or tries it, they love it. They say it's the best. They've said that for years about the watermelons, and now they say that about the cannabis."

Watch the Exclusive Interview

For the first time, Abraham Carpenter, Jr. shares the complete story of Carpenter Farms' journey into medical cannabis. This 4-minute exclusive interview is an outtake from our upcoming Roots & Reefer documentary, premiering October 23, 2025.

About Carpenter Farms

• Founded: 1968 (Cannabis operations began 2020)
• Location: Grady, Arkansas
• Investment: $30 million facility, $1 million+ in legal fees
• Specialty: 100% seed-sourced genetics, no imported clones
• Notable Strains: Twisted K Kush, Desert Lime, Honest Abe
• Achievement: High THC & terpene percentages

Find Carpenter Farms Products

Carpenter Farms products are available at select Arkansas dispensaries, including The Source in Northwest Arkansas. Visit www.thesource-mj.com to check current availability.

Amanda Strickland is CEO of The Source and executive producer of Roots & Reefer, Arkansas's premier cannabis documentary series. Follow more Arkansas cannabis stories at rootsandreefer.com.

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