ARKANSAS, USA — The medical marijuana amendment sought to expand the state's medical marijuana program, the types of healthcare professionals who can certify patients, allow patients to grow marijuana at home, and more, but after an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling, it was struck down for reportedly misleading language.
With over 150,000 votes from all 75 counties, Melissa Fults with Arkansans for Patient Access (APA) says voters' voices won't be heard.
"We ran a poll, we would have won," says Fults. "And that's what they're afraid of. They are afraid that the people will get a voice."
The Arkansas Supreme Court said the amendment also partially covers recreational marijuana, counter to the popular name that suggests it only impacts medical marijuana.
This decision came after two judges recused themselves and Governor Sanders appointed special justices Don Curdie and Bilenda Harris-Ritter.
The Supreme Court heard arguments from both APA and a group opposing the amendment, the Family Council Action Committee (FCAC). That committee says this amendment would have potentially provided access to recreational marijuana for more than just medical patients.
"This amendment was the industry coming along, wanting more, wanting to create recreational type marijuana here in Arkansas," says Jerry Cox with FCAC. "But, when you look at it, it isn't that. It was more like recreational."
APA says they will start the process over again in 2025 to help their patients.
"We'll start all over again. We'll put in another amendment. We'll get the signatures. We'll get it on the ballot, and we'll figure out a way," said Fults.
"I think people need to understand that the marijuana industry is going to keep trying to write itself into our state constitution, and they just need to get used to the fact that we're going to have to keep opposing this and voting it down every time," said Cox.
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