State Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Thursday approved a pro-medical marijuana group’s proposal to allow a ballot question on the issue in 2014, as long as the group gains enough petition signatures.
McDaniel rejected a similar proposal Wednesday because of what he said was ambiguous wording in the proposal. Thursday’s proposal by Arkansans for Compassionate Care avoids poor wording and may appear on the ballot at “The Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act,” according to an opinion released by the attorney general.
The attorney general notes in his opinion that his approval of the proposal wording does not mean he personally agrees with the subject matter.
The proposal seeks to legalize marijuana for patients receiving a prescription associated with health ailments. It would also, if passed, allow nonprofit marijuana dispensaries in Arkansas, while allowing cities and counties to ban them, if they wish.
The effort may now start collecting signatures to put the proposal on the statewide ballot in November 2014, McDaniel said.
A similar proposal was rejected by Arkansas voters in 2012.
