Update: Medical Marijuana to Appear on November Ballot in Arkansas
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: September 17, 2012
Update (August 22):
Today, Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin certified the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act has enough signatures to be on the November 6 General Election ballot. The proposal needed a minimum of 62,507 signatures from registered voters to qualify.
"Compassionate Care is an important issue for thousands of Arkansans and their families. This is something the people of Arkansas want to discuss. We've always been a leader in the South and now we're the first one to put medical marijuana on the ballot and have a real discussion about it," said Melissa Fults, Treasurer for Arkansans for Compassionate Care.
If voters approve the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, Arkansas will join 17 other states and Washington D.C. in allowing doctors to write recommendations for marijuana to alleviate specified medical conditions. The Arkansas Act is largely based on the medical marijuana law in Maine that passed in 2009 and has become one of the nation's most successful.
The Arkansas Act lists 15 specific chronic or life-threatening medical conditions for which marijuana could be recommended by a doctor: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Tourette Syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer's.
Only patients authorized by the Arkansas Department of Health would be allowed to purchase, carry and consume marijuana. The Act limits the number of dispensaries statewide and requires all of them to be non-profit. Cities and counties that choose to do so would be allowed to ban dispensaries altogether.
Meanwhile, the conservative group Arkansas Family Council reacted to the news with a long statement as follows:
"This proposal violates federal law," Cox said. "Marijuana is illegal. This proposal admits that states do not have the ability to change that law, and says, 'This act also acknowledges that marijuana use, possession, and distribution for any purpose remain illegal under Federal law.' Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents frequently bust medical marijuana operations in states where they exist, such as California. Putting Arkansas in the middle of all of this just doesn't make sense. Why would we want to pass a law that blatantly violates federal law? Why would we invite that kind of turmoil to Arkansas?"
Cox also said he believed the measure is vaguely worded. "I believe a lot of people who signed this petition probably did not fully understand the scope of this measure. Among other things, it says that if a 'patient' lives more than five miles from a marijuana dispensary, they are free to grow their own marijuana. In other words, if you live in west Little Rock and the nearest dispensary is in downtown Little Rock, you can grow marijuana in your flower garden, and there isn't a thing anyone can do about it.
"Most of the people who signed this petition probably did not know that. They probably envisioned doctors and pharmacists being heavily involved in the prescription process. The people dispensing marijuana under this measure are not held to the same standards as pharmacists dispensing medicine. Petition signers probably did not know that either, and they probably were not even aware that the measure is entirely illegal under federal law. If it's enacted, I think a lot of Arkansans will find the law on the books is not the one they thought they were voting for."
Cox pointed out that easing restrictions on illegal drugs isn't in the best interest of families. "Substance abuse creates very real problems for families," Cox said. "If a husband or wife is addicted to something, it's going to put a strain on that marriage. It's going to put a strain on their kids. If you think we have problems with marijuana now, just wait until it becomes legally available."
Cox said, "This law leaves way too many questions unanswered. How are we going to be sure medical marijuana grown in Arkansas isn't sold illegally to people without a prescription? I've read marijuana can be cultivated with varying levels of active ingredients in it much the same way nicotine levels can be manipulated in tobacco. How are they going to keep marijuana growers from using that to make their product more potent or addictive?"
Cox also questioned the use of medical marijuana to treat illness. "It's the only medicine you smoke. The health community has spent almost fifty years trying to stop smoking. Now a group of people wants Arkansas doctors to start encouraging just that: Smoking for your health. It just doesn't make sense."
Cox said that if the medical community is serious about pursuing any health benefits of marijuana, it should lobby Congress and the DEA to alter its regulations. "The opium plant is restricted differently because even though it carries a high risk of abuse, it has some known medical uses. If doctors believe marijuana may have health benefits, they should lobby Congress to apply the same restrictions to marijuana as they do to opium. That would be the legal way to do this. Instead Arkansans are being asked to vote on a measure that is patently illegal under federal laws passed by Congress. That simply is not right."
Cox indicated that Family Council Action Committee is reviewing all of its options for fighting this proposal, including a possible legal challenge.
Original story (August 13):
Medical marijuana advocates are getting a second shot at getting their proposal before Arkansas voters this November.
Activists on Monday afternoon turned in 74,406 signatures in 19 boxes of petitions to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office. This summer activists fell 26,000 short of the 62,507 valid signatures they need.
Melissa Fults, one of the effort's organizers, says she's "Pretty confident" voters will approve medical marijuana if it gets on the ballot. But it might not be so easy.
"The biggest obstacle is getting people educated...this is a compassionate campaign, it is for the patients who need it desperately," Fults said.
Advocates say medical marijuana is necessary to provide cancer patients and those in chronic pain with relief. Opponents believe marijuana is a gateway drug.
Alex Reed, spokesman for the Secretary of State's office, said he estimates it will take staffers about two weeks to review the petitions and validate the signatures.
Today, Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin certified the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act has enough signatures to be on the November 6 General Election ballot. The proposal needed a minimum of 62,507 signatures from registered voters to qualify.
"Compassionate Care is an important issue for thousands of Arkansans and their families. This is something the people of Arkansas want to discuss. We've always been a leader in the South and now we're the first one to put medical marijuana on the ballot and have a real discussion about it," said Melissa Fults, Treasurer for Arkansans for Compassionate Care.
If voters approve the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, Arkansas will join 17 other states and Washington D.C. in allowing doctors to write recommendations for marijuana to alleviate specified medical conditions. The Arkansas Act is largely based on the medical marijuana law in Maine that passed in 2009 and has become one of the nation's most successful.
The Arkansas Act lists 15 specific chronic or life-threatening medical conditions for which marijuana could be recommended by a doctor: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Tourette Syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer's.
Only patients authorized by the Arkansas Department of Health would be allowed to purchase, carry and consume marijuana. The Act limits the number of dispensaries statewide and requires all of them to be non-profit. Cities and counties that choose to do so would be allowed to ban dispensaries altogether.
Meanwhile, the conservative group Arkansas Family Council reacted to the news with a long statement as follows:
"This proposal violates federal law," Cox said. "Marijuana is illegal. This proposal admits that states do not have the ability to change that law, and says, 'This act also acknowledges that marijuana use, possession, and distribution for any purpose remain illegal under Federal law.' Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents frequently bust medical marijuana operations in states where they exist, such as California. Putting Arkansas in the middle of all of this just doesn't make sense. Why would we want to pass a law that blatantly violates federal law? Why would we invite that kind of turmoil to Arkansas?"
Cox also said he believed the measure is vaguely worded. "I believe a lot of people who signed this petition probably did not fully understand the scope of this measure. Among other things, it says that if a 'patient' lives more than five miles from a marijuana dispensary, they are free to grow their own marijuana. In other words, if you live in west Little Rock and the nearest dispensary is in downtown Little Rock, you can grow marijuana in your flower garden, and there isn't a thing anyone can do about it.
"Most of the people who signed this petition probably did not know that. They probably envisioned doctors and pharmacists being heavily involved in the prescription process. The people dispensing marijuana under this measure are not held to the same standards as pharmacists dispensing medicine. Petition signers probably did not know that either, and they probably were not even aware that the measure is entirely illegal under federal law. If it's enacted, I think a lot of Arkansans will find the law on the books is not the one they thought they were voting for."
Cox pointed out that easing restrictions on illegal drugs isn't in the best interest of families. "Substance abuse creates very real problems for families," Cox said. "If a husband or wife is addicted to something, it's going to put a strain on that marriage. It's going to put a strain on their kids. If you think we have problems with marijuana now, just wait until it becomes legally available."
Cox said, "This law leaves way too many questions unanswered. How are we going to be sure medical marijuana grown in Arkansas isn't sold illegally to people without a prescription? I've read marijuana can be cultivated with varying levels of active ingredients in it much the same way nicotine levels can be manipulated in tobacco. How are they going to keep marijuana growers from using that to make their product more potent or addictive?"
Cox also questioned the use of medical marijuana to treat illness. "It's the only medicine you smoke. The health community has spent almost fifty years trying to stop smoking. Now a group of people wants Arkansas doctors to start encouraging just that: Smoking for your health. It just doesn't make sense."
Cox said that if the medical community is serious about pursuing any health benefits of marijuana, it should lobby Congress and the DEA to alter its regulations. "The opium plant is restricted differently because even though it carries a high risk of abuse, it has some known medical uses. If doctors believe marijuana may have health benefits, they should lobby Congress to apply the same restrictions to marijuana as they do to opium. That would be the legal way to do this. Instead Arkansans are being asked to vote on a measure that is patently illegal under federal laws passed by Congress. That simply is not right."
Cox indicated that Family Council Action Committee is reviewing all of its options for fighting this proposal, including a possible legal challenge.
Original story (August 13):
Medical marijuana advocates are getting a second shot at getting their proposal before Arkansas voters this November.
Activists on Monday afternoon turned in 74,406 signatures in 19 boxes of petitions to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office. This summer activists fell 26,000 short of the 62,507 valid signatures they need.
Melissa Fults, one of the effort's organizers, says she's "Pretty confident" voters will approve medical marijuana if it gets on the ballot. But it might not be so easy.
"The biggest obstacle is getting people educated...this is a compassionate campaign, it is for the patients who need it desperately," Fults said.
Advocates say medical marijuana is necessary to provide cancer patients and those in chronic pain with relief. Opponents believe marijuana is a gateway drug.
Alex Reed, spokesman for the Secretary of State's office, said he estimates it will take staffers about two weeks to review the petitions and validate the signatures.
Comments
I have not voted since Clinton but I registered to vote this year just to vote for medical marijuana so I do not have to move to another state just to get it. I am a prime candidate for medical mj. For many years I have lived in constant pain from Fibromyalgia, Degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, chronic tendinitis of the groin, restless leg syndrome, depression & I could go on. Being allergic to opiates & codeine doesn't make it easy for doctors to treat me. They have used synthetics, various antidepressants, injections of idk what, so many pills it was ridiculous. After 2 years of not knowing my rear from a hole in the ground, unable to drive, taking Phenergan (Promethazine) daily to deal with the nausea & vomiting from all the pills, unable to drive or take care of my kids I wanted to die. I told my doctor I could not live like that to keep his pills. I would much rather be in pain & know I am alive than be that vegetable of a woman so out of it that I could not take care of my family.
As a child I was always told that God made no mistakes when he created this earth & all it consists of. It is a plant put here for a purpose our bodies are wired for it because it was created for us. Most adults know the pros & cons inside & out as well as our over payed egotistical power hungry government. Grow up & find something of actual importance to regulate that is more of a threat to our country like the pharmaceutic companies pumping us full of poison getting those big ole fat pockets. Do you realize there are actual homeless families in the United States of America!? There are complete idiots packing guns & slinging more pills than street drugs, people taking their lives with pills, pills being mixed & killing people ....the list can go on & on yet no one that should be listening is or cares. Our government is more concerned with pumping fear into us about an organic natural part of the food chain that is also medicinal.
I have found some great material on youtube that everyone should see. If the link does not work search youtube for Leaf it is the video with the name Dr. William Courtney in the description 3rd video from the top. Open those minds & have more faith in what God created for us to use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa0nLdVJiIg&feature=plcp
BLAM B.
August 23, 2012 at 1:41 am
Bobby J.
August 23, 2012 at 1:30 am
I have seen many close friends with a terminal illness get relief from pain, as well as stimulate their appetites by smoking marijuana. This was done by them because they simply could not tolerate anything else on their stomach until after smoking marijuana. Each of these people gained weight and tolerated cancer treatments better. A few of them, because of smoking marijuana have managed to not only survive a year or two, but now after several years remain cancer free. By making the medical use of Marijuana legal in Arkansas, people will be able to get relief without running the risk of being arrested for buying marijuana, or getting killed by a drug deal gone bad.
Give people another option to remain healthy, or regain health....
Mark H.
August 22, 2012 at 11:47 pm
It is my understanding that the Federal Government was created with limited and enumerated powers only...no ability to override State legislation unless expressly granted by the people...Mr. Cox is right in stating that people need educated...the need to hear the truth about marijuana and its many health benefits...having had a son in rehab as an instructor, I am fully aware that the number two problems in Arkansas are blackmarket prescriptions such as hydrocodone, and alcohol...people entering on marijuana charges do not require medical attention to give it up as their are no physical withdrawals from marijuana...I lost three brothers since 2009 all addicted to prescription drugs being administered by physician...a sister with same symptoms is relieved by marijuana and is outliving my siblings under dr.'s supervision...
Lori B.
August 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm
It is my understanding that the Federal Government was created with limited and enumerated powers only...no ability to override State legislation unless expressly granted by the people...Mr. Cox is right in stating that people need educated...the need to hear the truth about marijuana and its many health benefits...having had a son in rehab as an instructor, I am fully aware that the number two problems in Arkansas are blackmarket prescriptions such as hydrocodone, and alcohol...people entering on marijuana charges do not require medical attention to give it up as their are no physical withdrawals from marijuana...I lost three brothers since 2009 all addicted to prescription drugs being administered by physician...a sister with same symptoms is relieved by marijuana and is outliving my siblings under dr.'s supervision...
Lori B.
August 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm
It is my understanding that the Federal Government was created with limited and enumerated powers only...no ability to override State legislation unless expressly granted by the people...Mr. Cox is right in stating that people need educated...the need to hear the truth about marijuana and its many health benefits...having had a son in rehab as an instructor, I am fully aware that the number two problems in Arkansas are blackmarket prescriptions such as hydrocodone, and alcohol...people entering on marijuana charges do not require medical attention to give it up as their are no physical withdrawals from marijuana...I lost three brothers since 2009 all addicted to prescription drugs being administered by physician...a sister with same symptoms is relieved by marijuana and is outliving my siblings under dr.'s supervision...
Lori B.
August 22, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Mr. Cox, a state can pass any law, it's in our Constitution, have you read it lately? Fedreal law has marijunan as a scedual 1 substance which means no medical benifits but the FDA allows the multi billion drug companys to make dozen's of pill made from the activeingedeant of marijunan, what lobbyist lined whos pockets to get that done. Like our pharmacy bills aren,t large enough. Nicotine growen like any other plant is chemically altered by adding more nicotine so there buyers get more addicted, which brings in more money. It's harder to kick nicotine then morphine. As far as the so called Gate-Way drug to harder drugs is like saying asprin leads to herion. No one starts out smoking marijunan, it starts with taking acouple cigarettes out of mom n pops packs then to alcohol, out of mom n pops cabinet, just because a person has a few drinks now and then, don't make them an alcoholic, unless they are predisposed to become an alcoholic or to go on to use harder drugs. I inhale a persciption pill for copd.You need to rear all the articles at; ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed/17952650 and pleas keep an open mind. Please go to Legalize Medical Marijunan in Arkansas on face book, there's a lot of links you might be intersested in or maybe you just don't care about the sick and dying people in Arkansas
Tom P.
August 22, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Mr. Cox, a state can pass any law, it's in our Constitution, have you read it lately? Fedreal law has marijunan as a scedual 1 substance which means no medical benifits but the FDA allows the multi billion drug companys to make dozen's of pill made from the activeingedeant of marijunan, what lobbyist lined whos pockets to get that done. Like our pharmacy bills aren,t large enough. Nicotine growen like any other plant is chemically altered by adding more nicotine so there buyers get more addicted, which brings in more money. It's harder to kick nicotine then morphine. As far as the so called Gate-Way drug to harder drugs is like saying asprin leads to herion. No one starts out smoking marijunan, it starts with taking acouple cigarettes out of mom n pops packs then to alcohol, out of mom n pops cabinet, just because a person has a few drinks now and then, don't make them an alcoholic, unless they are predisposed to become an alcoholic or to go on to use harder drugs. I inhale a persciption pill for copd.You need to rear all the articles at; ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed/17952650 and pleas keep an open mind.
Tom P.
August 22, 2012 at 6:52 pm
I agree with Dillon. 'The Union: The business behind getting high' is a very good, non-bias, movie that clarify many misunderstandings about the medicine and I would recommend for everyone to watch it.
Justin Y.
August 22, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I just wanna know if y'all are going to post a non biased article? This whole article was nothing but ripping on this measure. It just doesn't seem fair to only have a negative point of view.
Dillon D.
August 22, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Gary O.
August 13, 2012 at 5:52 pm
