In an effort to help inform voters before they go to the polls for the November General Election, KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News is doing a series of stories to explain the three issues Arkansas voters will find on the ballot. Information for these stories has been provided by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension, and a link to their website can be found by clicking here.
In Thursday’s story, we highlight Issue 3 which, by popular name, is The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024.
A vote for Issue 3 means you are in favor of changing the Arkansas Constitution to prohibit legislators from changing or repealing any constitutional amendment without another vote of the people, and you are in favor of expanding the state’s existing medical marijuana program with regards to who can qualify for the program, the types of health care professionals who can certify patients for the program, and to allow patients to grow marijuana at home, among other changes.
Supporters say medical marijuana cards would be valid for three years, visitors from other states with a medical card could use it in Arkansas; healthcare practitioners have increased discretion to determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for their patients; it broadens the range of qualified professionals who can provide written certifications to include pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistant’s; and patients and their caregivers have the right to grow their own cannabis at home, promoting both affordability and accessibility, particularly for rural cardholders.
Opponents of Issue 3 say since the amendment allows marijuana to be grown and processed at any residence, the law would shield foreign drug cartels from coming to the state to grow and ship the product from here; it permits advertising of marijuana which will allow children to see the ads; and providing taxpayer-funded marijuana cards to out-of-state people free of charge will draw illegal immigrants and the homeless as has occurred in California.
If passed, the changes take effect Nov. 15.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI