Battle Over Medical Marijuana Headed for the Airwaves
By: Jonathan Athens, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 12, 2012
Both sides of the medical marijuana debate in Arkansas vows to take the fight to the next level.
Pro medical marijuana activists say a new survey shows most Arkansas support their cause while a Christian conservative coalition announced it's launching a grassroots and media campaign to convince voters otherwise.
The Family Council presented Thursday a television spot it's planning to start airing next week, portraying medical marijuana as a back door attempt to legalize the drug across the board.
"This TV spot focuses on the dark and secretive side of the medical marijuana industry," Cox said at a news conference at the Capitol.
Arkansans for Compassionate Care said it's kicking off its television spots on Oct. 18 and announced tv host Montel Williams will speak in Little Rock to rally support for Issue 5.
"This is a conservation you should have with your physician," said David Couch of Arkansans for Compassionate Care.
Couch said his group recently commissioned a survey that states more than half of likely voters support medical marijuana. Pollsters surveyed 600 people. The survey consisted of 40 questions, he said.
If voters approve the issue, Arkansas will become the 18th state in the nation to allow medical marijuana and the first such state in the South.
Pro medical marijuana activists say a new survey shows most Arkansas support their cause while a Christian conservative coalition announced it's launching a grassroots and media campaign to convince voters otherwise.
The Family Council presented Thursday a television spot it's planning to start airing next week, portraying medical marijuana as a back door attempt to legalize the drug across the board.
"This TV spot focuses on the dark and secretive side of the medical marijuana industry," Cox said at a news conference at the Capitol.
Arkansans for Compassionate Care said it's kicking off its television spots on Oct. 18 and announced tv host Montel Williams will speak in Little Rock to rally support for Issue 5.
"This is a conservation you should have with your physician," said David Couch of Arkansans for Compassionate Care.
Couch said his group recently commissioned a survey that states more than half of likely voters support medical marijuana. Pollsters surveyed 600 people. The survey consisted of 40 questions, he said.
If voters approve the issue, Arkansas will become the 18th state in the nation to allow medical marijuana and the first such state in the South.
Comments
Here's my thoughts. The kids that are going to do it are going to do it regardless. The legality of it all isn't going to change a thing. My grandmother suffered cancer, and probably would have wasted away long before she did if she had not discovered the medicinal side of this plant. I also know others who would lay in bed suffering from spinal pain and depression from their illnesses, who are able to find relief with cannibis that vicoden, soma and ibuprofen valium and others cannot offer. Vicoden...Highly addictive and high street value, various side effects from drowsiness to death. I have low spinal, cervical neck and shoulder injuries from an accident. I have been prescribed vicoden, soma, and ibuprofen by doctors. Personally, Vicoden upsets my stomach, I suffer with nervousness, loss of appetite, and I still don't get total relief.Soma makes me sleepy and constipated, Ibuprofen gives me indigestion and ulcers. I have tried marijuana, with about the same relief and none of the side effects of the other medicines. However, fear of going to jail keeps that from being a permanent option. There are many others that resort to alcohol to ease thier ailments, and we all know how damaging alcohol is...There are millions across the world who would benefit from the medical side of marijuana, and could feel freer to seek their treatment if our government would just see it. I believe that if it gives someone relief, they should have the choice of whether to use it or not, and I also know that most of the ones who could get relief do not because of the illegality of it,and the fear of losing jobs or friends because of their choice. I am for 5 because I am one who would find a better quality of life with this as an option...
As far as Cox's commercial goes, that had nothing to do with the medical uses, only the seedy, illegal side. Never have I seen a dispensary that is dark, with guns on the table, using triple beams to measure. I am offended that anyone believes that this is what those who vote yes on 5 are looking to create. This is, however, how people currently have to go about getting it sometimes, so in a sense, his ad could work against him.
Roya H.
October 23, 2012 at 12:11 am
I've watched the Video Cox's group has posted on their website. It's appalling! the entire thing is virtually an utter fabrication. compare every statement Cox and his group have listed in their "Flyer" and compare those statements to the actual text of Issue 5 (The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act) you will see that the flyer and video are total lies and a blatant attempt to infuse misinformation and confusion into an already volatile subject. I support Issue 5! Even if you do not feel that Cannabis is appropriate for you as an alternative treatment, that is your choice. iu can respect your choice as you should also respect mine. I do not use Cannabis in any form at this time. I'm not some stoner wanting to get high. I could already do that if I wanted to. Many people already use Cannabis recreationaly in violation of the law. that will remain a violation of the law. We are not talking about recreational Cannabis use/ Issue 5 is about the medicinal use of Cannabis for people who's Doctors feels it is appropriate for that patient.
Anytime you have regulated substances there are going to be those individual that will involve themselves in the illegal marketing/trafficking of those substances. They are already doing it! Cox and his group need to wake up to reality and inject some honesty into their lives. this is a serious subject and peoples lives are at stake here. The difference between being able to live and just being alive is huge but until your life is in the balance I don't think anyone can truly appreciate how much of a difference a plant can make!
To date the most dangerous thing about Cannabis is prohibition!
I've only been a Cannabis supporter for about 2 years. the previous 40 years of my life was predominantly antidrug. I believed all the lies and misinformation the Government published. the harsh reality is we the people have been lied to and defrauded by our own Governing bodies concerning Drugs in general and forced to pay for a "Drug War" that only profits corporations that supply equipment used by LEO's in busting people!
Education and regulation will cost 5 times less than the incarceration and probation/parole system we have now.
MARK M.
October 15, 2012 at 3:41 pm
are you hiring for proof readers or editors?
Linda K.
October 11, 2012 at 8:36 pm
where is your editor? even the first line is wrong. both sides...VOW, not vows. i am ashamed to live in a community where the editor of the paper and the local news do not even know the basic rules of grammar.
Linda K.
October 11, 2012 at 8:32 pm
