Arkansas Medical Cannabis Expansion Bid Falls Short for November Ballot

In a setback for medical cannabis advocates, Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston has announced that a proposed expansion of the state's medical marijuana program will not appear on the November 2024 ballot. The initiative, spearheaded by Arkansans for Patient Access, failed to gather the required number of valid signatures from registered voters.

Thurston reported that only 88,040 of the submitted signatures were deemed valid, falling short of the 90,704 threshold needed for ballot qualification. This decision comes eight years after Arkansas initially legalized medical marijuana in 2016, becoming the 28th state to do so.

The proposed amendment aimed to broaden the scope of Arkansas' existing medical cannabis program. Key changes included expanding the definition of medical professionals authorized to certify patients, increasing the list of qualifying conditions, and extending the validity of medical cannabis cards to three years. Currently, Arkansas allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and requires annual card renewals.

Arkansans for Patient Access, having submitted over 150,000 signatures, expressed disappointment with the decision. The group plans to pursue legal action, claiming that 20,000 signatures were rejected due to an "arbitrary" last-minute rule change. They argue that the significant support demonstrated during the petition process reflects Arkansans' desire to vote on expanded medical marijuana access.

This rejection follows a recent trend in Arkansas ballot measures, coming weeks after the state Supreme Court blocked a proposal to modify the state's abortion ban. The Family Council Action Committee, an opponent of the marijuana measure, praised Thurston's decision but acknowledged that the state Supreme Court might have the final say.

Arkansas' medical marijuana program, established after voter approval in 2016, has seen significant growth. The state now boasts 38 licensed dispensaries and has collected over $100 million in tax revenue from medical marijuana sales. The program includes strict regulations on advertising, packaging, and testing of medical marijuana products.

As Arkansas grapples with this setback, the national landscape of marijuana legalization continues to evolve. Approximately half of U.S. states have legalized recreational marijuana, with a dozen more permitting medical use. The November 2024 elections will see voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota deciding on recreational marijuana legalization, while Nebraska will consider two medical marijuana proposals.

Despite this setback, Arkansas' medical marijuana program continues to operate, providing relief to patients with qualifying conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, and PTSD. The state maintains a comprehensive system, including a seed-to-sale tracking mechanism and provisions for caregivers to assist patients.

As the legal battle unfolds, the future of medical marijuana expansion in Arkansas remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding cannabis policy in the United States.