This November, Arkansas voters will consider an initiative that would significantly expand the state’s medical marijuana program, in addition to establishing a federal trigger for recreational marijuana legalization.
The Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024, put forth by Arkansans for Patient Access (APA), will appear on the November 5 ballot. The initiative would expand the state’s medical marijuana law to allow patients to grow up to seven mature marijuana plants, and seven immature marijuana pants, at a private residence. Importantly, the proposed law would also remove the retail prohibition on smokeable marijuana products like pre-rolls.
In addition, the initiative would:
- 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.
- Allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners and pharmacists to recommend medical marijuana in addition to physicians.
- Allow the above list of healthcare professions to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they deem appropriate, rather than having to follow the current list of qualifying conditions.
- Legalize recreational marijuana, with the possession limit set at one ounce, if the federal government deschedules marijuana.
According to state data, the group in support of the measure has raised nearly $2 million, whereas the primary opposition group has raised less than half a million.
You can find the full text of the measure by clicking here.
