In a recent decision, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that voters will not be able to vote on a ballot measure to expand medical marijuana in the state. The court argued that the initiative failed to provide a full explanation of what it entails. The proposed constitutional amendment aimed to expand the definition of medical professionals who can certify patients for medical cannabis, add qualifying conditions, and make medical cannabis cards valid for three years. However, the court ruled that the initiative did not inform voters that it would remove the authority of the state Legislature to change the 2016 constitutional amendment that legalized medical marijuana in the state.
Despite the court’s ruling, the initiative will remain on the ballot as early voting began on Monday. However, election officials are instructed not to count any votes on the initiative. The court also found that the initiative failed to inform voters that it would legalize up to an ounce of marijuana possession for any purpose if marijuana were legalized at the federal level. Organizers of the initiative argued that the ballot measure did cite the number of provisions that would be repealed and stated that previous court rulings did not require a summary of the current law to be amended.
Arkansans for Patient Access, the group behind the measure, expressed their disappointment in the court’s decision and pledged to continue their efforts to expand the medical marijuana program. The group’s lawsuit against Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston was sparked by Thurston’s claim that the group had fallen short of the required signatures. Protect Arkansas Kids, a group opposing the measure, intervened in the case to raise concerns about the ballot measure’s language. The court rejected election officials’ reasons for ruling that the measure’s organizers fell short of the necessary signatures for the ballot.
However, the court’s ruling was not well-received by dissenters, with Justice Cody Hiland arguing that the court was ignoring decades-long precedent and established standards for evaluating the sufficiency of popular names and ballot titles. Despite the opposition, the court upheld its decision and contended that state law allows a wide range of people to be considered sponsors of the measure. The Family Council Action Committee, which campaigned against the measure, expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating that the initiative had no business being on the ballot or in the constitution.
As the debate over the medical marijuana ballot measure in Arkansas continues, similar discussions are unfolding in other states across the country. About half of U.S. states allow recreational marijuana, with a dozen more legalizing medical marijuana. In the upcoming November elections, voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota will decide on the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults, while two measures on medical marijuana will be on the ballot in Nebraska. The controversy surrounding the Arkansas ballot measure highlights the ongoing debate over medical marijuana legalization and regulation in the United States.
