Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, Issue 6 (2016)
Arkansas Issue 6 | |
---|---|
Election date November 8, 2016 | |
Topic Marijuana | |
Status Approved | |
Type Constitutional amendment | Origin Citizens |
2016 measures |
---|
November 8 |
Issue 1 |
Issue 2 |
Issue 3 |
Issue 6 |
Polls |
Voter guides |
Campaign finance |
Signature costs |
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, also known as Issue 6, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Arkansas as an initiated constitutional amendment. It was approved.
A "yes" vote supported legalizing medical marijuana for 17 qualifying conditions, creating a Medical Marijuana Commission, and allocating tax revenue to technical institutes, vocational schools, workforce training, and the General Fund. |
A "no" vote opposed this amendment to legalize medical marijuana.[1] |
This election was one of Ballotpedia's top 10 state-level races in 2016. Click here to read the full list.
Aftermath
Issue 6, as an amendment to the state constitution, went into effect on November 9, 2016. However, the Department of Health was given up to 120 days after November 9 to adopt rules for the following provisions of the amendment.[2] House Bill 1026 extended some of these requirements from 120 to 180 days.
- Applications for and renewals of registry identification cards;
- Labeling and testing standards;
- Caregivers assisting patients who are physically disabled or under the age of 18;
- Oversight, recordkeeping, and security requirements for dispensaries and cultivation facilities;
- The manufacturing, processing, packaging, and dispensing of marijuana;
- Procedures for suspending or terminating the licenses of dispensaries and cultivation facilities violating the provisions of the amendment;
- Procedures for inspections and investigations of dispensaries and cultivation facilities;
- Advertising restrictions for dispensaries and cultivation facilities;
- Procedures for the disposal or other use of marijuana not dispensed to a patient;
- License application and license renewal fees for dispensary and cultivation facilities; and
- Registration for dispensary agents and cultivation facility agents.
Cultivation license lawsuit
The measure created a Medical Marijuana Commission which is responsible for administering and regulating licenses for dispensaries and cultivation facilities. The measure specified that there could only be awarded between four and eight cultivation facility licenses. Applicants for cultivation licenses were scored by the Medical Marijuana Commission, and a lawsuit was filed by Naturalis Health, which alleged that the scoring procedure for awarding cultivation licenses was flawed after the company had been scored #38 of 95 applicants. The Arkansas Finance and Administration Department, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, and the Medical Marijuana Commission were defendants in the lawsuit. Naturalis Health claimed the commissioners were biased and had conflicts of interest and that the top-five scoring applicants had "outright violations" in their applications.[3][4]
In March 2018, Pulaski County Judge Wendell Griffen ruled that the state's process for awarding cultivation licenses was unconstitutional. This ruling prevented the Medical Marijuana Commission from awarding licenses to the top-five businesses it had identified as the highest scoring applicants.[4] In April 2018, in response to Griffen's ruling, state officials said the Medical Marijuana Commission would stop processing applications for dispensaries. On June 21, 2018, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed Griffen's ruling, and ruled that Griffen did not have the jurisdiction to halt the licenses from being awarded. The Medical Marijuana Commission may now grant cultivation licenses and move the state's medical marijuana program forward. As of June 2018, more than 5,000 Arkansas residents had been approved for medical marijuana and were expected to receive registry cards before marijuana is legally available across the state.[5]
On July 2, 2018, the Medical Marijuana Commission adopted a non-binding proposal to discuss hiring an independent consultant to conduct reviews and score dispensary applicants.[6]
On July 10, 2018, the state Medical Marijuana Commission awarded licenses to five cultivation companies: Natural State Medicinals Cultivation, Bold Team LLC, Natural State Wellness Enterprises, Osage Creek Cultivation, and Delta Medical Cannabis Co.[7]
HB 1400
House Bill 1400 (HB 1400) was designed to make modifications to Issue 6, as the initiated amendment authorized legislators to change certain parts without referring the changes to voters. Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R-87) sponsored the bill. HB 1400 would ban people from smoking marijuana in certain locations, including (a) anywhere smoking tobacco is illegal; (b) in the presence of a person under 14 years of age; (c) inside a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorized watercraft, or any vehicle drawn by power other than muscle; (d) knowingly in the presence of a pregnant woman; and (e) in a place where smoking marijuana is likely to cause another person not permitted to use to be under the influence of marijuana. HB 1400 would also ban anyone under the age of 21 from smoking marijuana for medical purposes.[8]
The bill would require warning labels on medical marijuana products that communicate "the health and safety risks associated with smoking and a list of places and conditions in which smoking marijuana for medical use is illegal in the State of Arkansas."[8]
On March 17, the House passed HB 1500, with 88 representatives in favor and zero against. An additional 12 did not vote on the bill. The Senate passed the bill, 31 to 1 with three members not voting or excused, on March 23, 2017.[9] Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed the bill.
HB 1026
Arkansas Rep. Douglas House (R-40) introduced a bill, titled House Bill 1026 (HB 1026), to change the date that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division needed to have rules established for dispensaries and cultivation facilities and the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission needed to set up a licensing process from 120 days to 180 days after the election.[10] The bill also changed the date that dispensaries and cultivators could apply for licenses from June 1 to July 1, 2017.[11] On January 17, 2017, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed the bill. The Arkansas Senate passed the bill on January 19, 2017.[12] Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed House Bill 1026 on January 24, 2017.[13]
HB 1058
House Bill 1058 (HB 1058) was filed on December 27, 2016. The bill eliminated the requirement that a physician declare in writing that "the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient." Rep. Douglas House (R-40) said doctors may feel uncomfortable making such a declaration.[14] House Bill 1058 kept intact the requirement that physicians provide written certification stating the patient has a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. It also stated that patients' medical marijuana records are not considered medical records, although they are confidential. On January 17, 2017, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed the bill. The Arkansas Senate passed the bill on January 23, 2017.[15] Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed House Bill 1026 on January 24, 2017.[13]
Election results
Issue 6 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
Yes | 585,030 | 53.11% | ||
No | 516,525 | 46.89% |
- Election results from Arkansas Secretary of State
Overview
Status of medical marijuana in Arkansas
Going into the election, the possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes was illegal, with voters having narrowly defeated an initiative to legalize medical marijuana in 2012. Prior to the passage of Issue 6, medical marijuana was legal in 25 states, and cannabis oil was legal in an additional 15. While marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, enforcement of federal marijuana laws is often not strict against state-legal medical marijuana. In December 2014, Congress passed a law that prohibits federal agents from raiding medical marijuana growers in states where medical marijuana is legal, effectively allowing states to legalize medical marijuana.[16]
Initiative design
Issue 6 legalized marijuana for medical use in Arkansas. The measure allowed for the establishment and regulation of marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities. It applied state and local taxes on sales to medical marijuana. The measure was designed to allocate revenue from these taxes to cover administration costs and then, of the remaining revenue, 50 percent to the Vocational and Technical Training Special Revenue Fund, 30 percent to the General Fund, 10 percent to the workforce training programs, 5 percent to the Department of Health, 4 percent to Alcoholic Beverage Control administrative and enforcement divisions, and 1 percent to the Medical Marijuana Commission. The measure permitted voters to ban marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities in their municipalities. Issue 6 authorized the Arkansas Legislature to amend sections of the amendment, except the sections legalizing medical marijuana and setting the number of dispensaries, by a two-thirds vote.[17]
State of ballot measure campaigns
Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana outraised opponents six to one. Supporters received about $1.77 million, while opponents received $285,112. Polls indicated a close race, with the last poll before the election showing support at 50 percent. Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) opposed the measure.
Text of measure
Popular name
The popular name was as follows:[17]
“ | The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016[18] | ” |
Ballot title
The ballot title was as follows:[17]
|
Constitutional changes
- See also: Arkansas Constitution
The following amendment was added to the Arkansas Constitution:[1] Note: Use your mouse to scroll over the below text to see the full text.
§ 1. Short title. This amendment shall be known and cited as the “Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016”. § 2. Definitions. As used in this amendment: (1) “Acquire” or “acquisition” means coming to possess marijuana by means of any legal source herein authorized, not from an unauthorized source, and in accordance with this amendment and any rules promulgated under this amendment; (2) “Assist” or “assisting” means helping a qualifying patient make medical use of marijuana by enabling the medical use by any means authorized under this amendment; (3) “Cardholder” means a qualifying patient, a dispensary agent, a cultivation facility agent, or a designated caregiver; (4) "Cultivation facility" means an entity that:
(5) “Cultivation facility agent” means an employee, supervisor, or agent of a cultivation facility who:
amendment; (6)
(7) “Dispensary’ means an entity that has been licensed by the Medical Marijuana Commission under § 8 of this amendment; (8) “Dispensary agent” means:
(9) “Enclosed, locked facility" means a room, greenhouse, or other enclosed area equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by an authorized individual; (10) “Excluded felony offense" means:
(11) “Medical use” means the acquisition, possession, use, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration of marijuana to treat or alleviate a qualifying patient’s qualifying medical condition or symptoms associated with the qualifying patient’s qualifying medical condition; (12) “Physician” means a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine who holds a valid, unrestricted, and existing license to practice in the state of Arkansas and has been issued a registration from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe controlled substances; (13) “Qualifying medical condition” means one (1) or more of the following:
(14) "Qualifying patient" means a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a qualifying medical condition and who has registered with the department under § 5 of this amendment; (15) "Registry identification card" means a document issued by the department or the division that identifies a person as a qualifying patient, a dispensary agent, a cultivation facility agent, or a designated caregiver; (16) "Sealed" means to expunge, remove, sequester, and treat as confidential the record or records of a felony offense; (17)
(18) "Visiting qualifying patient" means a patient with a qualifying medical condition who is not a resident of Arkansas or who has been a resident of Arkansas for less than thirty (30) days and who is in actual possession of a registry identification card or its equivalent that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States and pertains to a qualifying medical condition under this section; and (19)
§ 3. Protections for the medical use of marijuana. (a) A qualifying patient or designated caregiver in actual possession of a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including without limitation a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with this amendment if the qualifying patient or designated caregiver possesses not more than two and one-half ounces (2 Y2 oz.) of usable marijuana. (b)
(c) A qualifying patient or designated caregiver shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including without limitation a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing board or bureau, for giving, or offering to give, up to two and one-half ounces (2 1/2 oz.) of usable marijuana to a qualifying patient or designated caregiver for the qualifying patient's medical use when nothing of value is transferred in return. (d) A designated caregiver is not prohibited from receiving compensation or reimbursement of expenses from a qualifying patient for assisting a qualifying patient with the medical use of marijuana. (e) A dispensary may:
(f)
(g) A person otherwise entitled to custody of, or visitation or parenting time with, a minor shall not be denied custody, visitation, or parenting time solely for conduct allowed under this amendment, nor shall there be:
(h)
(i) A person shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including without limitation a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing board or bureau, for providing a qualifying patient or designated caregiver with marijuana paraphernalia for purposes of facilitating the qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana. (j) Any marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, licit property, or interest in licit property, that is possessed, owned, or used exclusively in connection with the medical use of marijuana as allowed under this amendment, or property incidental to such use, shall not be seized or forfeited. (k) A person shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including without limitation a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing board or bureau, simply for being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as allowed under this amendment or for directly assisting a physically disabled qualifying patient with the medical use of marijuana. (l)
§ 4. Qualifying Patient - Administration and Enforcement - Rules. (a)
Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. (b) Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this amendment, the department shall adopt rules governing:
(c)
(d) The department shall adopt rules within one hundred twenty {120) days of the effective date of this amendment that govern the manner in which a designated caregiver assists a physically disabled qualifying patient or a qualifying patient under the age of eighteen (18) with the medical use of marijuana. § 5. Registry identification cards. (a) The Department of Health shall issue registry identification cards to qualifying patients and designated caregivers who submit in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department:
(b) The department shall not issue a registry identification card to a qualifying patient who is under eighteen (18) years of age unless:
(c)
(d)
(f)
(g)
(h) The department, division, and commission shall submit to the General Assembly an annual report that does not disclose any identifying information about cardholders or physicians but contains at a minimum:
§ 6. Scope. (a) This amendment does not permit a person to:
(b) This amendment does not require:
§ 7. Affirmative defense and dismissal for medical use of marijuana. (a) Except as provided in § 6 of this amendment and this section, an individual may assert a medical purpose for using marijuana as an affirmative defense to prosecution for an offense involving marijuana intended for the individual's medical use, and this defense shall be presumed valid and the prosecution shall be dismissed where the evidence demonstrates that the individual is:
(b) The defense and motion to dismiss shall not prevail if either of the following are proven:
(c) An individual is not required to be in actual physical possession of a registry identification card to raise the affirmative defense set forth in this section. (d) If an individual demonstrates a medical use of marijuana under this section, except as provided in§ 6 of this amendment, the individual shall not be subject to the following:
§ 8. Licensing of dispensaries and cultivation facilities. (a)
(b)
(c) The following individuals associated with a dispensary or cultivation facility shall be current residents of Arkansas who have resided in the state for the previous seven (7) consecutive years:
(d) Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this amendment, the commission shall adopt rules governing: (1) The manner in which the commission considers applications for and renewals of licenses for dispensaries and cultivation facilities; (2) The form and content of registration and renewal applications for dispensaries and cultivation facilities; and (3) Any other matters necessary for the commission's fair, impartial, stringent, and comprehensive administration of its duties under this amendment. (e) Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this amendment, the division shall adopt rules governing:
(f)
(g)
facility:
(h) The commission shall issue at least twenty (20) but no more than forty (40) dispensary licenses. (i) There shall be no more than four (4) dispensaries in any one (1) county. (j) The commission shall issue at least four (4) but no more than eight (8) cultivation facility licenses. (k) The commission may conduct a criminal records check in order to carry out this section. (l)
(m)
allowed by this section .
(n)
(o) The commission may charge a reasonable fee as established by rule for the issuance of a renewal license. § 9. Registration and certification of cultivation facility agents and dispensary agents. (a)
(b)
(c) Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this amendment, the division shall adopt rules governing:
(d) The division may conduct criminal records checks in order to carry out this section. (e) Except as provided herein, the division shall issue each dispensary agent and cultivation facility agent a registry identification card within ten (10) days of receipt of:
(f)
(g)
(h) The division may charge a reasonable fee as established by rule for the issuance of a new, renewal or replacement registry identification card. (i)
§ 10. Dispensary and cultivation facility Inspections and requirements. (a) Dispensaries and cultivation facilities are highly regulated by the state, and a dispensary and cultivation facility is therefore subject to reasonable inspection by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. (b)
§ 11. Immunity for dispensaries and cultivation facilities. (a) A dispensary or cultivation facility is not subject to the following:
(b)
§ 12. Prohibitions for dispensaries. (a) Except as provided in § 3 of this amendment, a dispensary may not dispense, deliver, or otherwise transfer marijuana to a person other than a qualifying patient or designated caregiver. (b)
§ 13. Prohibitions for cultivation facilities. A cultivation facility may sell marijuana plants, seeds, and usable marijuana only to a dispensary or other cultivation facility. § 14. Local regulation. (a) This amendment does not prohibit a city, incorporated town, or county of this state from enacting reasonable zoning regulations applicable to dispensaries or cultivation facilities, provided that those zoning regulations are the same as those for a licensed retail pharmacy. (b) This section does not allow a city, incorporated town, or county to prohibit the operation of any dispensaries or cultivation facilities in the city, incorporated town, or county unless such a prohibition is approved at an election under Article 5, § 1, of this constitution. § 15. Prohibited conduct for physicians. A physician shall not:
§ 16. Failure to adopt rules or issue registry identification cards or licenses. If the Department of Health, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, or Medical Marijuana Commission fails to adopt rules to implement this amendment within the time prescribed or fails to issue the minimum number of dispensary licenses or cultivation facility licenses, any person who would be a qualifying patient under this amendment may commence a mandamus action in Pulaski County Circuit Court to compel the department, division, or commission to perform the actions mandated under the provisions of this amendment. § 17. Taxation and distribution of proceeds. (a) The sale of usable marijuana is subject to all state and local sales taxes at the same rate as other goods. (b) The states sales tax revenues received by the Department of Finance and Administration from the sale of usable marijuana under this amendment shall be distributed as follows:
(c) An entity receiving a grant of state sales tax revenue under subsection (b) of this section may make one (1) or more successive grant applications for the same project or projects. § 18. Costs of administration and regulation of amendment. (a) The following funds shall be used by the Department of Health to perform its duties under this amendment:
(b) The following funds shall be used by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to perform its duties under this amendment:
(c) The following funds shall be used by the Medical Marijuana Commission to perform its duties under this amendment:
§ 19. Medical Marijuana Commission - Creation.
(b)
(c) A member of the commission shall be:
(d)
(e)
(f)
§ 20. No implied repeal. (a) By adoption of this amendment, there is no implied repeal of the existing Arkansas laws criminalizing possession of marijuana for purposes not specified in this amendment. (b) This amendment acknowledges that marijuana use, possession, and distribution for any purpose remains illegal under federal law. § 21. Limitation on growing. This amendment: (1) Authorizes the growing of marijuana at a dispensary or cultivation facility that is properly licensed with the state; and (2) Does not authorize a qualifying patient, designated caregiver, or other person to grow marijuana. § 22. Severabillty. If any provision or section of this amendment or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provisions or application of the amendment that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this amendment are declared to be severable. § 23. Amendment by General Assembly. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the General Assembly, in the same manner as required for amendment of laws initiated by the people, may amend the sections of this amendment so long as the amendments are germane to this section and consistent with its policy and purposes. (b) The General Assembly shall not amend the following provisions of this amendment:
|
Full text
The full text can be found here.
Support
Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana led the campaign in support of Issue 6.[19]
Attorney David Couch of Little Rock, Arkansas, filed the request to circulate the initiative.[20] Couch worked with Arkansans for Compassionate Care in 2012, which sponsored a disqualified marijuana initiative, Issue 7, in 2016.[21] He broke from Arkansans for Compassionate Care in 2016 due to a disagreement over whether patients should be able to grow marijuana plants at home. Couch's initiative did not authorize patients to grow their own marijuana, whereas Issue 7 would have.[22]
Following Issue 7's decertification on October 27, 2016, Arkansans for Compassionate Care called on its supporters to approve Issue 6.[23]
Supporters
Officials
Individuals
- Kara Benca, plantiff in Benca v. Martin and partner in the law firm Benca & Benca[24]
- Patrick Benca, partner in the law firm Benca & Benca
Arguments
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's 2016 Ballot Issue Guide summarized proponents' arguments in five bullet points:[25]
“ |
|
” |
Other arguments in support of the measure included:
- David Couch, sponsor of Issue 6, argued, “If a physician believes it is appropriate for his patient then that’s his medical judgment. It should be respected.”[26]
Opposition
Safer Arkansas Communities, Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana, and Family Council Action Committee led the campaign against Issue 6.[27][28][29] All three were also opposed to Issue 6.
Opponents
Officials
- Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R)[30]
- Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (R)[31]
- U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R)
- Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe[32]
Organizations
- Arkansas Department of Health[33]
- Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation[34]
- Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
- Arkansas Faith & Ethics Council
- Arkansas Landlords Association[35]
- Arkansas School Nurses Association[36]
- Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators[37]
- Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families[38]
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Arkansas Chapter
- Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police[39]
- Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association
- FBI National Academy Associates-AR Chapter
- Arkansas Children's Hospital[40]
Individuals
- Kevin Sabet, former Senior Advisor for Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton[41]
Arguments
An opposition advertisement
|
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's 2016 Ballot Issue Guide summarized opponents' arguments in five bullet points:[25]
“ |
|
” |
Safer Arkansas Communities released a list of 10 reasons to vote against Issue 6 and Issue 7 on social media. The following was the list:[42]
|
Other arguments against the measure included:
- Jerry Cox, Executive Director of the Family Council Action Committee, argued, "This is simply a back-door way for otherwise healthy people to be able to buy marijuana, sell marijuana, smoke marijuana, use it in food, so forth and so on."[29]
Other positions
The Arkansas Democratic Party endorsed legalizing medical marijuana in August 2016. Democrats called for "the development of a responsible medical marijuana program that will receive patients in need of such relief the freedom to access this remedy."[22][43]
Campaign finance
Total campaign contributions: | |
Support: | $1,773,935.25 |
Opposition: | $285,111.77 |
As of February 17, 2017, the support campaign for Issue 6 featured two ballot question committees, Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana and Informing Arkansas, that received a total of $1,773,935.25 in contributions. The support campaign had spent $1,771,680.33.[19]
As of February 17, 2017, the opposition campaign for Issue 6 featured three ballot question committees. In total, opponents raised $285,111.77. The first committee was Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana, which received $255,880 in contributions. The second was the Coalition for Safer Arkansas Communities, which raised $6,636. The third was the Family Council Action Committee, which received $22,596.[27]
According to reports through February 17, 2017, the top donor in support of Issue 6, Broadleaf PSG LLC, contributed $642,078 in cash donations. The top donor opposing the initiative, Mountaire Corporation, provided $50,750.
Support
Cash donations
The following ballot question committee registered to support Issue 6 as of February 17, 2017. The chart below shows cash donations and expenditures current as of February 17, 2017.[19]
Committee | Amount raised[44] | Amount spent |
---|---|---|
Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana | $299,457.82 | $299,060.08 |
Informing Arkansas | $888,521.00 | $886,663.82 |
Total | $1,187,978.82 | $1,185,723.90 |
In-kind donations
As of February 17, 2017, the ballot question committee registered to support Issue 6 received in-kind donations in the amount of $585,956.43. The top in-kind donor, Broadleaf PSG LLC, contributed $411,686.94.[19]
Top donors
As of February 17, 2017, the following were the top donors in support of Issue 6:[19]
Donor | Cash | In-kind | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Broadleaf PSG LLC | $230,391.00 | $411,686.94 | $642,077.94 |
Vantage Investment | $626,521.00 | $0.00 | $626,521.00 |
Bevans Family Limited Partnership | $325,548.95 | $174,269.49 | $499,818.44 |
Opposition
Cash donations
The following ballot question committees registered to oppose Issue 6 as of February 17, 2017. The chart below shows cash donations and expenditures current as of February 17, 2017.[27]
- Note: The Family Council Action Committee provided $50,750 to Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana. This amount is calculated out of the aggregate total to avoid duplicating funds. See methodology section for more information.
Committee | Amount raised[45] | Amount spent |
---|---|---|
Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana | $255,879.98 | $251,566.55 |
Family Council Action Committee | $22,595.80 | $17,680.82 |
Coalition for Safer Arkansas Communities | $6,635.29 | $6,635.79 |
Total | $285,111.77 | $275,883.16 |
Top donors
As of February 17, 2017, the following were the top five donors in opposition to the initiative:[27]
Donor | Cash | In-kind | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Mountaire Corp. | $50,750.00 | $0.00 | $50,750.00 |
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation | $25,000.00 | $0.00 | $25,000.00 |
SAM Action Inc. | $25,000.00 | $0.00 | $25,000.00 |
ASAPAC (Gov. Asa Hutchinson's PAC)[46] | $10,000.00 | $0.00 | $10,000.00 |
Arkansas Heart Hospital | $10,000.00 | $0.00 | $10,000.00 |
Methodology
To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.
Polls
- See also: 2016 ballot measure polls
- Public Opinion Strategies polled 600 Arkansans in June 2016. The firm found support to be around 63 percent and opposition to be around 35 percent.[47]
- In mid-September 2016, Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College conducted a poll that asked about Issue 6. The poll found a plurality, but not a majority, in support of Issue 6.[48]
- On October 21, 2016, Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College surveyed 463 likely voters on Issue 6. Opponents had a five-point lead over supporters in the poll.[49]
- The Arkansas Poll, housed at the University of Arkansas, surveyed 800 adults in late October 2016 on Issue 6. The poll found support for the measure at 50 percent.[50]
Arkansas Issue 6 (2016) | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Support | Oppose | Undecided | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
The Arkansas Poll (University of Arkansas) 10/18/2016 - 10/25/2016 | 50.0% | 43.0% | 6.0% | +/-3.5 | 800 | ||||||||||||||
Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College 10/21/2016 | 45.0% | 50.0% | 5.0% | +/-4.6 | 463 | ||||||||||||||
Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College 9/15/2016 - 9/17/2016 | 49.0% | 43.0% | 8.0% | +/-3.4 | 831 | ||||||||||||||
Public Opinion Strategies 6/2/2016 - 6/6/2016 | 63.0% | 35.0% | 2.0% | +/-4.0 | 600 | ||||||||||||||
AVERAGES | 51.75% | 42.75% | 5.25% | +/-3.88 | 673.5 | ||||||||||||||
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. |
- Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College conducted a poll of 751 likely voters asking about the general issue of medical marijuana. The question was not specific to Issue 6 or Issue 7. The survey found support to be around 58 percent.[51]
Support for Medical Marijuana in Arkansas | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Support | Oppose | Undecided | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College 6/21/2016 | 58.0% | 34.0% | 8.0% | +/-3.6 | 751 | ||||||||||||||
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. |
Background
Voting on Marijuana | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ballot Measures | |||
By state | |||
By year | |||
Not on ballot | |||
|
Issue 5 (2012)
In 2012, Arkansans for Compassionate Care collected enough signatures to put an initiated state statute designed to legalize medical marijuana on the ballot. Under the measure, patients with possession of cards issued by the Arkansas Department of Health would have been allowed to purchase and carry marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana would have been purchased from dispensaries or cultivated by the patients themselves from a cannabis plant. Patients would have been limited to a maximum of six plants per person.[52]
Voters narrowly defeated the proposal, which was titled Issue 5, with 51.44 percent voting "no" and 48.56 percent voting "yes."
Medical marijuana
- See also: Medical marijuana
As of May 2021, 36 states and Washington, D.C., had passed laws legalizing or decriminalizing medical marijuana. Additionally, 10 states had legalized the use of cannabis oil, or cannabidiol (CBD)—one of the non-psychoactive ingredients found in marijuana—for medical purposes.[53] In one state—Idaho—medical marijuana was illegal, but the use of a specific brand of FDA-approved CDB, Epidiolex, was legal.[54] Based on 2019 population estimates, 67.5 percent of Americans lived in a jurisdiction with access to medical marijuana.
Unique instances
Idaho: In 2015, the Idaho State Legislature passed a bill legalizing certain types of CBD oil that was later vetoed by Governor Butch Otter (R). In response, Otter issued an executive order allowing children with intractable epilepsy to use Epidiolex in certain circumstances. [55]
South Dakota: In 2019, the South Dakota State Legislature passed a bill amending one section of law by adding Epidiolex to its list of controlled substances. The bill also exempted CBD from the state's definition of marijuana in that section.[56] Elsewhere in state law, CBD was not exempted from the definition of marijuana. This discrepancy led to confusion that left the legal status of CBD in the state unclear for a year.[57]
After the 2019 changes, Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg (R) issued a statement, wherein he argued all forms of CBD oil, apart from Epidiolex, were illegal under state law.[58] Several state's attorneys expressed disagreement with the Attorney General's statements. Aaron McGown and Tom Wollman, state's attorneys for Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, respectively, issued a joint statement where they said the discrepancy left legality open to differing interpretations. Mark Vargo, the Pennington County state's attorney, said his office would not prosecute CBD cases based on his interpretation of the state law.[57]
On March 27, 2020, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed House Bill 1008 into law, which legalized industrial hemp and CBD oil in the state.[59]
Issue 6 vs. Issue 7
Issue 6 and Issue 7 were competing measures until the Arkansas Supreme Court struck Issue 7 from the ballot on October 27, 2016.[60]
Issue 6 was an initiated constitutional amendment known as the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment. As the measure was an amendment, it prohibited the Arkansas Legislature from making marijuana illegal again without voter approval. Issue 6 was approved.
Issue 7 was an initiated state statute known as the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act. As the measure was a statute, the Arkansas Legislature would have been permitted to make medical marijuana illegal again with a two-thirds supermajority vote in each legislative chamber. The Arkansas Supreme Court struck Issue 7 from the ballot.
Why two measures?
Prior to the October 27, 2016, Arkansas Supreme Court ruling in Benca v. Martin that struck Issue 7 from the ballot, there were two initiatives designed to legalize medical marijuana on the Arkansas ballot. While there were a number of differences between the two, one difference in particular led measure sponsors to propose separate initiatives. This difference was what is called a “grow-your-own” provision. Issue 7 would have allowed some patients to grow marijuana at home for medical use. Issue 6 did not. David Couch, sponsor of Issue 6, worked for Issue 7’s sponsor, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, in 2012, when the group’s Issue 5 was defeated. Couch believed a major reason for the 2012 initiative’s defeat was its “grow-your-own” provision.
Melissa Fults, director of Arkansas for Compassionate Care, asked Couch to drop his initiative. She pleaded, “Please do not place thousands of sick and dying Arkansans' future in jeopardy. Patients need safe and legal access to cannabis and if you continue we risk losing the best chance that we've ever had. Placing two initiatives on the ballot will cause both to fail.”[61]
Comparison of provisions
The following table compares the different provisions of Issue 6 and Issue 7. Some rows of this table are adapted and modified from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's 2016 Ballot Issues Guide.[25]
Issue | Issue 6 Medical Marijuana Amendment |
Issue 7 Medical Cannabis Act |
---|---|---|
Changes to law | Adds an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution | Adds a Chapter 65 to Arkansas Code Title 20 |
Provisions regarding patients and patient use | ||
Qualifying conditions | 17 qualifying patient conditions | 56 qualifying patient conditions |
Patient identification card fee | Application and renewal fees set by the Department of Health | Fees may not exceed $50 per year, and a sliding scale must be created |
Grow-your-own provision | Does not authorize patients to grow marijuana | Authorizes patients who live more than 20 miles from a dispensary to grow marijuana |
Amount distributed | Dispensaries can distribute up to 2.5 ounces per patient every 14 days | Dispensaries can distribute up to 2.5 ounces per patient every 15 days |
Patient choice of dispensary | Patient can purchase at any dispensary | Patient can purchase at a designated dispensary |
College campuses | Prohibits use on college campuses | Does not prohibit use on college campuses |
Provisions concerning government | ||
Revenue allocation | Revenue allocated to cover administration costs and, of the remaining revenue, 50 percent to the Vocational and Technical Training Special Revenue Fund, 30 percent to the General Fund, 10 percent to the workforce training programs, 5 percent to the Department of Health, 4 percent to Alcoholic Beverage Control administrative and enforcement divisions, and 1 percent to the Medical Marijuana Commission | Revenue allocated to cover administration costs and, of the remaining revenue, provide medical cannabis to low-income qualifying patients |
Regulating agency for patients | The Arkansas Department of Health | The Arkansas Department of Health |
Regulating agency for dispensaries | A new Medical Marijuana Commission and the Alcohol Beverage Control | The Arkansas Department of Health |
Local prohibition | Voters can prohibit dispensaries and facilities in local communities | No provision for local prohibition |
Provisions regarding dispensaries and cultivation facilities | ||
Number of dispensaries | Between 20 and 40 in the state, but no more than four in any one county | One dispensary for every 20 pharmacies; About 39 dispensaries at time of implementation |
Dispensary nonprofit requirement | No requirements for dispensaries to be nonprofits | Requirement for dispensaries to operate on a not-for-profit basis |
Testing labs | Does not require marijuana testing labs | Requires labs to test for quality |
Residency requirements for dispensaries and facilities | Owners must be Arkansas residents | No residency requirement |
Disqualification from marijuana work | Any felony conviction related to violence or violation of controlled substance law within past 10 years | Any felony conviction |
Background checks for marijuana workers | Optional | Required |
Dispensary advertisement restrictions | Department of Health can regulate advertisements | No regulation of advertisements |
Qualifying conditions
The following specific qualifying diseases and medical conditions would have been covered under Issue 6 and Issue 7:[1][62]
|
The following specific qualifying diseases and medical conditions would have been covered under Issue 7 but not Issue 6:[62]
|
Path to the ballot
Supporters of Issue 6, an initiated constitutional amendment, had until July 8, 2016, to submit 84,859 valid signatures. Further, proponents were required to collect signatures equaling at least 5 percent of the previous gubernatorial votes in at least 15 of the state's counties. For example, if 1,000 people voted for governor in a county, the signatures of 50 qualified electors would be required.
After rejecting multiple versions of submitted ballot titles and summaries, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (R) approved this initiative for circulation on February 17, 2016. In her previous rejection letters, Rutledge stated that the proposed ballot titles and summaries were too vague or ambiguous.[64][20]
Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana submitted more than 106,000 signatures on July 8, 2016.[65] Secretary of State Mark Martin (R) verified 72,309 of the necessary 84,859 signatures. Since over 75 percent of them were legitimate, Martin's office granted the supporting campaign an additional 30 days to collect the remainder.[66] David Couch, the primary sponsor of the initiative, turned in an additional 35,000 signatures on August 19, 2016.[67] The secretary of state's office certified Issue 6 on August 31, 2016.[68]
Cost of signature collection:
Sponsors of the measure hired ERH Solutions and National Ballot Access to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $588,166.35 was spent to collect the 84,859 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $6.93.
Litigation
Lawsuit overview | |
Issue: Ballot title misinformation | |
Court: Arkansas Supreme Court | |
Ruling: Ruled in favor of defendants, allowing a vote on the measure | |
Plaintiff(s): Toni Rose and Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana | Defendant(s): Secretary of State Mark Martin |
Plaintiff argument: Ballot title omitted pertinent information, including ability for dispensaries to sell food and drinks that contain marijuana and legalization's potential effects on local social institutions | Defendant argument: Ballot title was succinctly and accurately worded |
Source: Arkansas Supreme Court
Toni Rose and Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana filed litigation against Secretary of State Mark Martin (R) on September 6, 2016. Rose argued that Issue 6's ballot title failed "to convey an intelligible idea of the scope and import of the proposed Amendment." First, the plaintiff argued that the amendment sets limitations on possession, not use, of marijuana, despite the ballot title reading "use." David Couch, sponsor of Issue 6, responded, "I think it’s very hard to use something you don’t possess." Second, Rose alleged that the ballot title fails to communicate to voters that the amendment permits dispensaries to sell food and drink containing marijuana. Third, the ballot title does not tell voters that employers can't fire employees based on medical marijuana use, landlords can't refuse to lease based on medical marijuana use, and schools can't refuse to enroll students based on medical marijuana use. Couch said the amendment was designed to treat marijuana like a medical drug, and while individuals cannot be fired or refused service due to their medications, people can be fired or refused service for being high. Fourth, Rose claimed that the title does not tell voters that doctors, lawyers, and other professionals cannot be denied a license to practice due to medical marijuana use. Couch responded, saying that a professional abusing medical marijuana, just like other drugs, can be disciplined.[69][70]
On October 13, 2016, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendant, keeping Issue 6 on the ballot. Associate Justice Courtney Hudson Goodson wrote the opinion. She wrote:[71]
“ | … the petitioner's arguments call for an interpretation of the amendment. However, this court does not interpret a proposed amendment or discuss its merits or faults. For these reasons, we find no merit in the petitioner's arguments. We conclude that while inside the voting booth, the voters will be able to reach an intelligent and informed decision for or against The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016.[18] | ” |
Related measures
- See also: History of marijuana on the ballot and Marijuana on the ballot
The first attempt to legalize marijuana through the initiative process came in 1972, when California activists got an initiative certified for the ballot. The measure was defeated. Marijuana legalization advocates had their breakthrough election in 2012, when both Washington and Colorado legalized recreational marijuana. Oregonians rejected a legalization measure that same year, but approved one two years later in 2014. As of the beginning of 2016, recreational marijuana had been legalized in four states and Washington, D.C. All legalizations came through the initiative process. As of the beginning of 2016, medical marijuana was legal in 25 states.[72]
More than 60 statewide marijuana-related initiatives were submitted for the 2016 ballot. The table below shows the marijuana-related measures that qualified for the 2016 election ballot:
The following table includes past initiative attempts in the United States to legalize marijuana:
State profile
Demographic data for Arkansas | ||
---|---|---|
Arkansas | U.S. | |
Total population: | 2,977,853 | 316,515,021 |
Land area (sq mi): | 52,035 | 3,531,905 |
Race and ethnicity** | ||
White: | 78% | 73.6% |
Black/African American: | 15.5% | 12.6% |
Asian: | 1.4% | 5.1% |
Native American: | 0.6% | 0.8% |
Pacific Islander: | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Two or more: | 2.1% | 3% |
Hispanic/Latino: | 6.9% | 17.1% |
Education | ||
High school graduation rate: | 84.8% | 86.7% |
College graduation rate: | 21.1% | 29.8% |
Income | ||
Median household income: | $41,371 | $53,889 |
Persons below poverty level: | 22.9% | 11.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Arkansas. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. |
Presidential voting pattern
- See also: Presidential voting trends in Arkansas
Arkansas voted Republican in all six presidential elections between 2000 and 2020.
Pivot Counties (2016)
Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, one is located in Arkansas, accounting for 0.5 percent of the total pivot counties.[73]
Pivot Counties (2020)
In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Arkansas had one Retained Pivot County, 0.55 percent of all Retained Pivot Counties.
More Arkansas coverage on Ballotpedia
- Elections in Arkansas
- United States congressional delegations from Arkansas
- Public policy in Arkansas
- Influencers in Arkansas
- Arkansas fact checks
- More...
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Basic information
- Text of Issue 6
- Arkansas 2016 Ballot Issues
- University of Arkansas 2016 Guide to Arkansas Ballot Measures
Opposition
- Keep Arkansas Safe
- Keep Arkansas Safe Facebook
- Keep Arkansas Safe Twitter
- Family Council Action Committee
- Family Council Action Committee Facebook
- Family Council Action Committee Twitter
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Arkansas Attorney General, "The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016," accessed September 27, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Attorney General, "The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016," accessed November 11, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Losing competitors sue over marijuana cultivation permits," accessed June 27, 2018
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Governing, "Medical Marijuana Cleared for Takeoff in Arkansas," accessed June 27, 2018
- ↑ AP News, "Arkansas court clears way for medical pot program’s launch," accessed June 27, 2018
- ↑ Talk Business, "Commission adopts plan to hire consultant to review, score applications for medical pot retail licenses," accessed July 3, 2018
- ↑ Charlotte Observer, "Arkansas issues 5 medical marijuana cultivation licenses," accessed July 11, 2018
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Arkansas Legislature, "House Bill 1400," accessed March 24, 2017
- ↑ Arkansas Legislature, "HB 1400 Overview," accessed March 24, 2017
- ↑ Arkansas News, "Bill filed to delay Arkansas' medical-marijuana program," November 30, 2016
- ↑ Times Record, "Arkansas House approves bill delaying medical marijuana," January 18, 2017
- ↑ Arkansas Legislature, "House Bill 1026," accessed January 4, 2017
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 KATV, "Governor signs two medical marijuana bills into law," January 24, 2017
- ↑ Times Record, "Bill to amend Arkansas' medical marijuana rules goes to governor," January 24, 2017
- ↑ Arkansas Legislature, "House Bill 1058," accessed January 24, 2017
- ↑ LA Times, "Congress quietly ends federal government's ban on medical marijuana," December 16, 2014
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Arkansas Secretary of State, "2016 Ballot Issues," accessed September 26, 2016
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>
tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>
tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>
tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>
tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>
tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Arkansas Ethics Commission, "Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana," accessed February 17, 2017
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Arkansas Attorney General, "Ballot Title and Summary for Medical Marijuana Amendment," accessed February 22, 2016
- ↑ Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "Second marijuana proposal OK'd for Arkansas ballot," September 1, 2016
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "Arkansas Democrats add medical marijuana to '16 platform," August 30, 2016
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Washington Post, "Latest: Governor says new petition date should be weighed," October 27, 2016
- ↑ Benca & Benca, "Why Our Firm Challenged Issue 7," October 28, 2016
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 University of Arkansas, "2016 Guide to Arkansas Ballot Measures," accessed September 27, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas News, "Hutchinson, medical officials say marijuana not medicine," September 12, 2016
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 Arkansas Ethics Commission, "Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana," accessed February 17, 2017
- ↑ Safer Arkansas Communities, "Homepage," accessed October 10, 2016
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Southern Illinoisan, "Group submits signatures for medical marijuana proposal," June 20, 2016
- ↑ Southwest Times Record, "Arkansas medical marijuana issues create divide," September 4, 2016
- ↑ Southwest Times Record, "Hutchinson: Legalizing medical marijuana would be bad for Arkansas business," September 29, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Secretary of state clears signatures on medical marijuana amendment," August 31, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas News, "State Health Department opposes medical-marijuana proposals," July 12, 2016
- ↑ UALR Public Radio, "Arkansas Farm Bureau Joins Four Other Groups In Opposing Medical Marijuana," August 9, 2016
- ↑ KNWA‑TV, "Landlords Association of AR Oppose Medical Marijuana Ballot Issues," October 3, 2016
- ↑ KNWA‑TV, "Medical Marijuana Opposed by Arkansas School Nurses Association," October 10, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, "Homepage," accessed October 10, 2016
- ↑ The Daily Progress, "Advocacy groups opposing Arkansas medical marijuana measures," October 12, 2016
- ↑ KNWA‑TV, "AR Association of Chiefs of Police Oppose Marijuana Issues," October 19, 2016
- ↑ KNWA‑TV, "Arkansas Children's Hospital Opposes Marijuana Initiative," October 28, 2016
- ↑ 5 News, "Former White House Advisor Speaks Out Against Legalization Of Marijuana In Arkansas," September 21, 2016
- ↑ Safer Arkansas Communities Twitter, "Top Ten Reasons to Vote No on Marijuana Issues 6 & 7," accessed October 10, 2016
- ↑ UALR Public Radio, "Two-Way: Democratic U.S. Senate Hopeful Eldridge On Convincing Trump Voters, Pre-K, Ballot Issues," September 23, 2016
- ↑ Note: The totals listed below do not include in-kind donations, which are detailed in a separate section below.
- ↑ Note: The totals listed below do not include in-kind donations, which are detailed in a separate section below.
- ↑ Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, "Ballot-issue groups file financial reports," October 19, 2016
- ↑ Public Opinion Strategies, "Key Findings of a Voter Survey on Medical Marijuana Ballot Measures in Arkansas," August 4, 2016
- ↑ KATV Little Rock, "Voters in Arkansas split on marijuana proposals according to new polling," September 25, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Matters, "New Polls Show Medical Marijuana Failing with Voters," October 23, 2016
- ↑ University of Arkansas, "The Arkansas Poll," accessed November 2, 2016
- ↑ KATV Little Rock, "Poll: Support for medical marijuana still strong among likely voters," June 29, 2016
- ↑ The Arkansas Times, "The medical marijuana push in Arkansas," March 28, 2012
- ↑ This count excludes states that permitted both the use of cannabis oil and medical marijuana.
- ↑ CBD School, "CBD Laws by State 2020 - Just the Facts (is CBD legal in 2020?)," accessed February 28, 2020
- ↑ Idaho Office of Drug Policy, "Cannabidiol (CBD)," accessed February 28, 2020
- ↑ South Dakota Legislature official website, "2019 Senate Bill 22 - Enrolled," accessed February 28, 2020
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 Argus Leader, "Is CBD oil illegal? Confusion reigns over South Dakota's law," April 19, 2019
- ↑ South Dakota Attorney General official website, "Attorney General Ravnsborg clarifies questions regarding industrial hemp and CBD (Cannabidiol) oil," March 25, 2019
- ↑ Argus Leader, "Industrial hemp becomes legal in South Dakota after Noem signs bill," March 27, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>
tag; no text was provided for refs namedSCruling
- ↑ Southwest Times Record, "Medical marijuana proposal to appear on Arkansas ballot," July 7, 2016
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 Arkansans for Compassionate Care, "Read the AMAC," accessed September 27, 2016
- ↑ Note: Under Issue 6, arthritis must be considered "severe" to qualify. Issue 7 does not differentiate between "severe" and "non-severe" arthritis.
- ↑ Arkansas Matters, "2 Initiatives 1 Goal: Legalize Medical Marijuana," February 22, 2016
- ↑ Washington Times, "The Latest: Petitions submitted for marijuana proposal," July 8, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas News, "Medical-marijuana proposal’s backers get more canvassing time," July 29, 2016
- ↑ West Plains Daily Quill, "More signatures submitted on Arkansas medical marijuana plan," August 19, 2016
- ↑ 5 News, "Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment Added To November Ballot," September 1, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Supreme Court, "Rose v. Martin," September 6, 2016
- ↑ Talk Business & Politics, "Marijuana amendment opponents sue in Arkansas Supreme Court," September 6, 2016
- ↑ Arkansas Supreme Court, "Ruling in Rose v. Martin," October 13, 2016
- ↑ ProCon.org, "25 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC," June 28, 2016
- ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
|
State of Arkansas Little Rock (capital) | |
---|---|
Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2024 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |