An initiative that would significantly expand Arkansas’ medical marijuana program, while legalizing recreational marijuana if the federal government deschedules it, has been filed with the state.
The nonprofit political group Arkansans for Patient Access has officially filed the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024 with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. The proposed constitutional amendment would allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own marijuana, while removing the list of qualifying medical marijuana conditions. This would allow physicians to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they deem necessary.
The initiative would allow patients to grow up to seven mature marijuana plants at a given time, as well as seven immature plants.
“The goal of this ballot proposal is to reaffirm and build upon Amendment 98 to better serve patients,” says Amy Martin, a member of the ballot question committee. “This amendment reflects a commitment to the principles established by the state’s voters. It reduces barriers and streamlines processes so qualifying patients can access the medicines and treatment options that best serve them.”
The initiative would also:
- Allow medical marijuana assessments and renewals to be conducted via telehealth.
- Allow out-of-state patients to receive protections under the state’s medical marijuana law.
- Expand new patient cards to last three years rather than one.
The initiative would legalize recreational marijuana, with the possession limit set at one ounce, if the federal government removes marijuana as a controlled substance. Federal legislation in the US House of Representatives to do just that has 82 sponsors.
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