Group submits signatures for Arkansas recreational marijuana amendment

Story posted by KARK: Recreational Marijuana petitions submitted to Secretary of State for admission to fall ballot.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A group advocating for the legalization of adult recreational marijuana use submitted thousands of signatures to the Secretary of State’s office Friday. A lawyer for the group said he thinks an amendment will be on the ballot in November.

Responsible Growth Arkansas claimed it submitted more than 193,000 signatures. Under Arkansas law, at least slightly more than 89,000 valid signatures are required. Once they are verified, the proposed amendment goes before the Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners, who will then decide whether to approve the ballot addition.

“We’re confident in our signatures and our amendment,” said Steve Lancaster, Responsible Growth Arkansas’ counsel.

The proposed amendment would limit sales only to adults 21 and older. It would limit the number of licenses to 20 cultivators and 120 dispensaries in Arkansas and prohibit advertising and packaging designed to appeal to children.

No at-home plant growth would be allowed under the amendment, Lancaster said, and it would “bring needed funds and jobs to our state,” according to a document distributed by the group.

“What we are proposing is not really out in left field,” Lancaster said.

“Their [amendment] is horrible,” Fults said.

Fults said the attempt to limit cultivation and distribution to established entities is an attempt to keep money and power in their hands. 

“We need the competition, and we need everyday people in [the industry], not the mega-rich,” Fults said.

Fults said NORML would likely file a lawsuit against Responsible Growth Arkansas if the amendment is approved by the board. Lancaster said he anticipates challenges but does not think they will prevent ballot access.

“I think come November, we’ll pass this thing,” Lancaster said.