Our View

Our View

Pot legalization: Compassion or Cash Grab?

As voters, let’s not be so naive or as some people call simple minded, not to know the real motives behind some of the proposed amendments that we’ll have a chance decide upon, particularly this proposed Arkansas Medical Marijuana measure this November.

For instance, does anyone care who is contributing to the campaign and why some donors are flopping down big bucks to help promoters convince Arkansans that legalizing marijuana is just such a good plan. Take for example a recent news story that revealed Cheney Pruett, chief executive of newly opened lending business CashMax is one of two major backers behind one of two proposed “pot’ amendments. And, Broadleaf PSG, a limited liability corporation, gave $175,065 to support Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana, a ballot question committee backing the proposed amendment.

The news story went on to say the limited liability corporation is backed by Pruett according to David Couch, a Little Rock-based lawyers who is also behind the amendment.

If voters are going to take the time and effort to get involved in the election process this November then they should be responsible enough to take a close look at not only the candidates seeking political office but also all the proposed amendments on the upcoming ballot.

Most of us know this isn’t the first time this marijuana issue has been brought before the voters, and based on how narrow the margin was in its defeat it is altogether possible it just might win this November.

With that in mind, we should all seriously consider what real impact these two major money groups will have on this so-called medical “pot” plan and just what type of people are going to own the cultivation centers.

Figures should the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amending had raised $444,982 through June. It has two backers: Bevans Family Trust, which owns Lake Liquor in Maumelle, and Pruett, whose business has raised the concern of the North Little Rock city attorney because of the fees it charged to facilitate short-term loans for cash-strapped people.

Bear in mind voters, there is a considerable amount of money to be made because this is big business.

Legalizing marijuana for any reason will generate huge profits for private investors and business operators.

Realize too, that there is a second and competing “pot” measure promoters are attempting to get on the ballot. If this amendment is approved for the ballot and passes there will be at least 20 but not more than 40 dispensary licenses and at least four but not more than eight cultivation facility licenses.

The Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act caps the number of Cannabis Care Centers at one-twentieth the number of pharmacies that have obtained a pharmacy permit from the state Board of Pharmacy and operate within the state. Based on the number of current retail pharmacies in Arkansas there will very likely be about 40 centers capable of dealing in “pot” sales and profits.

Let’s make it absolutely clear that this isn’t just about so-called compassionate care as it is being promoted. It’s about making big bucks, plain and simple.