Chamber Urges a ‘NO’ Vote on Issue 4

Chamber says, "Recreational Marijuana is Not Good for Business"

As the voice of business locally, the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce is active with issues that affect the business community. In this year’s November 8^th General Election there are four ballot issues that have been given to the people to decide if they want to amend the Arkansas Constitution.

The Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors urges residents to vote NO on Issue 4, commonly known as the recreational marijuana or adult use cannabis amendment. Why is the Chamber against Issue 4? It’s a badly written amendment, and if passed, will:

-          Make it nearly impossible to implement and maintain a safe workplace.

-          Remove all limitations on THC levels. Today medical marijuana is limited to 10mg per serving.

-          Allow more permissive advertising than cigarettes.

-          Loosen packaging requirements, significantly increasing the likelihood of poisoning children.

-          Remove the existing tax on medical marijuana and replace it with a 10% sales tax.

o   Providing only 1.5% (15% of the 10%) of the tax for all law enforcement.

o   Reducing $20 million (of $25 million) annually to UAMS to support their effort to achieve a National Cancer Institute designation.

-          Provide less regulation than other states.

-          Not provide for any criminal justice component for previous offenders.

-          Can only be amended by another Constitutional amendment approved by the people.

Other facts of importance:

-          One-in-four road deaths in Colorado (where it is legal) have marijuana involved.

-          Child suicides rose 140% in Colorado after marijuana was legalized.

Vote NO on Issue 4!

About the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The mission of the Harrison (Arkansas) Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be recognized as the premier business organization influencing Harrison’s and the greater Boone County’s economic and business development through leadership, education, and investor partnerships. The investor-driven Chamber also recognizes, values and promotes the outstanding quality of life locally that encourages people to live, work, invest and retire in the area.  For more information, please visit www.harrison-chamber.com.