Our View

Our View

Stirring the pot on marijuana legalization

Arkansas voters will have another decision to make this November on a controversial ballot measure to legalize marijuana, supposedly for medical use only.

And, promoters of a competing ballot measure, are awaiting word from the secretary of state’s office on whether it has qualified for the upcoming ballot.

Now, a couple of questions that needs to be asked by those concerned voters regarding this controversial issue is just what are the real motives behind those advocates pushing the issue, and where is the over $140,000 in contributions coming from.

Well, we’re told that at least $12,500 of that money was given to this group calling itself Arkansans for Compassionate Care by a group from Washington, D.C., called New Approach D.C.

With all the concern from politicians in Little Rock over outside campaign contributions to specific candidates, particularly those seeking seats on the Arkansas Supreme Court, why isn’t there something being said about this outside money being contributed to this cause, and furthermore, what is the motive behind this action.

Voters need to be aware that most lawmakers are opposed to this ballot initiative as well as the competing ballot measure being led by attorney David Couch of Little Rock, as is the state agency that would eventually be held responsible for overseeing this endeavor if it happens to be approved by the majority of voters.

We’re told the political action committee behind the already approved initiative was formed to make political expenditures in support of changing marijuana laws, including, but not limited to, support of state ballot initiatives and candidates, according to its Internal Revenue Service filing.

The ballot committee raised $16,401 and spent $24,609 just last month. In total, the ballot committee has raised $142,252.23 and spent $121,320.72 through June 30.

Let it be known that couch worked with Faults on a similar proposed 2012 medical-marijuana measure that fell just short of approval by voters in the general election. After the 2012 election, the two split over a “grow-your-own” provision, and they pursued separate proposals for this year.

The fear among both these promoters is that if both initiatives appear on the ballot this November voters will be confused, split the vote and neither pass.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, that this is not something that Arkansas needs to deal with and legalizing marijuana use for any reason is creating unnecessary problems for authorities.

The truth is that regardless of how this is masked there will be substance abuse, illegal activity and ulterior motives including further efforts to legalize marijuana for general use, which is something we don’t believe the majority of Arkansans support.