Our View

Our View

Voters beware potential pitfalls of reefer madness

We can’t bring the issue up enough over the fact Arkansas voters, regardless of how open-minded they may be, need to clearly understand the consequences of their actions in deciding on one, if not two, controversial and permissive marijuana measures that will be decided upon this November.

These heavily financed campaigns are pushing some of the most liberal marijuana measures in the country. In fact, if approved, an individual would need nothing other than to complain about a mysterious “pain” to obtain what is still considered illegal marijuana for casual use.

“Pot” advocates and promoters are claiming they do not want to legalize recreational marijuana, and say what they are pushing is not even close to recreational. As we’ve said, there are two “pot” measures being pushed, one of which has already gained ballot approval by the Secretary of State’s office and another that would also be used for so-called “pain” remedy but also 20 other qualifying conditions.

We suspect, as do others, that both measures will appear on the ballot for voters to decision.

Proponents will be out in force between now and November trying to convince “low-knowledged” voters what they are doing is appealing to mothers and parents with children in pain.

We believe the message will focus on compassion while opponents will present a message of safety and concern.

This will be a tough battle for all those Arkansans concerned about public safety, misuse and illegal profit making based on the enormous financial support proponents have.

The main coalition dubbed the Coalition for Safer Arkansas Communities has raised just a meager $5,190 through June to fight the Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana, which backs the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment which has raised $444,982 through June. Arkansans for Compassionate Care raised $142,252, so it is clear there are underlying interest groups willing to shell out the cash to insure victory this November.

It is of the belief by a founding member of a group calling itself Smart Colorado that the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act is “the most expansive piece of medical marijuana regulation that exists.

During a recent meeting of the Coalition for Safer Arkansas Communities, Henny Lasley, a founding member, pointed out that unlike what is being proposed in Arkansas, Colorado has six reasons why someone could receive medical marijuana. In Colorado, 106,000 people possess a medical marijuana card, and about 2,700 identify seizures and 4,000 identify cancer as the reason they have a card. More than 90,000 have a card because they claim to be in “pain”.

Many opponents are of the opinion that if one or both of these amendments pass voter approval it will become a major problem for health care providers, the state health department, the judicial system and law enforcement agencies.

This is an issue that should not be taken lightly by anyone concerned about their communities, and hopefully what we are able to get out is of some help in educating voters as to what they can be prepared to deal with should it come to pass.