Arkansas State Attorney General rejects ballot initiative language to expand medical cannabis program

The Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024 language, submitted by Arkansans for Medical Access, was rejected by Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) on January 29. The campaign will be able to resubmit the amendment with changes to satisfy the Attorney General. If approved at that point, the campaign could then begin to gather the 90,709 valid voter signatures by July 5 to be placed on the November ballot. A simple majority would be needed for passage of the state constitutional amendment.  

If the amendment passed, it would:

• Allow patients/caregivers over 21 to grow seven mature cannabis plants (14” or greater)
• Allow patients/caregivers over 21 to grow seven immature plants (14” or smaller)
• Expand practitioners who can recommend medical cannabis to include pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants
• Allow medical cannabis for any medical need
• Allow telemedicine for healthcare providers recommending cannabis
• Expand reciprocity for out-of-state patients, including issuing cards for non-residents
• Make recommendations valid for three years moving forward

The amendment also has language that contains a trigger law. When the federal government ends federal prohibition, adults 21+ could legally possess and use cannabis, and medical dispensaries would be able to immediately begin adult-use sales. The entire amendment can be found here.