West Virginia Becomes the 29th Medical Marijuana State

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Today, West Virginia officially became the 29th state to pass medical marijuana legislation!

Gov. Jim Justice signed the law today after the bipartisan bill passed both the Senate and House earlier this month.

While the law isn’t perfect, it’s a great start toward providing safe and legal access to medical marijuana for qualifying patients. A summary is available here.

This achievement didn’t happen overnight. In fact, MPP, along with many other advocates, has been working tirelessly to get a medical marijuana bill passed for…

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Arkansas medical cannabis officials send rules to lawmakers for OK

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The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission (AMMC) finalized rules about who can cultivate and sell medical cannabis for a market where sales could begin before the end of the year.

The rules now head to state lawmakers who must sign off before they can take effect, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

An attorney for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration said the application period for dispensaries and cultivation facilities is expected to open July 1 and that the first…

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Arkansas to permit medical cannabis deliveries

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The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board gave approval for state-licensed dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to patients and caregivers once the state’s MMJ program has launched.


Spring 2017 MJBizConThe delivery regulations approved this week include a few restrictions, according to Little Rock television station KATV:

  • Orders must be delivered the same day they are made.
  • Deliveries may be made only between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • The deliveries must be signed for by the MMJ patient who placed the order.
  • A patient’s medical marijuana card will be checked…

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Arkansas Governor Signs Law Delaying Enactment of Voter-Approved Medical Marijuana Initiative

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Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (arkansas.gov)

NORML | January 26, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Lawmakers passed legislation this week to delay the enactment of the state’s voter-initiated medical cannabis program.

The bill was signed into law Monday by Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson

House Bill 1026, now Act 4, postpones the implementation of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment by 60 days.

Under the new timeline, regulators have until July 1, 2017 to begin accepting applications from those…

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Lawmakers Try to Delay Enactment of Voter Approved Marijuana Laws

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Paul Armentano | January 18, 2017

Legislators in a number of states are pushing forward measures to delay the enactment of several voter-initiated marijuana laws.

In Arkansas, House lawmakers are moving forward with legislation, House Bill 1026, to postpone the deadline for establishing the state’s new medical marijuana program by 60 days. Fifty-three percent of voters approved Issue 6 on Election Day, which called on lawmakers to regulate the production and dispensing of medical cannabis within 120 days.

In…

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Arkansas to award 32 medical marijuana dispensary licenses

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The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission will issue 32 licenses for medical cannabis dispensaries once the application process begins.

The commission on Tuesday also set dispensary license application fees at $7,500, Little Rock television station KATV reported. Applicants who are unsuccessful will have half of their fee refunded to them.

Hoping to achieve geographic diversity and to ensure dispensaries won’t be too far from patients, commissioners ruled that each of the state’s four congressional districts would get eight dispensaries,…

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Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced in Texas

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On Dec. 6, Texas Senator Menéndez (D-San Antonio) pre-filed SB 269, a comprehensive medical cannabis bill. If passed, this legislation will bring safe and legal access to Texas patients with debilitating medical conditions like cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, and Crohn’s disease, among others.txas-map-flag

Last year, Texas passed the Compassionate Use Act, which was intended to allow access to low-THC cannabis for those with intractable epilepsy. Sen. Menéndez’s bill will make several improvements, including fixing a fatal flaw in the bill, allowing…

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Sore Losers: Some State Leaders Challenging Marijuana Election Results

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Paul Armentano | November 28, 2016

Political leaders in several states are threatening to thwart the implementation of voter-approved initiatives specific to the regulation of marijuana.

In Massachusetts, where voters decided 54 percent to 46 percent on election day to legalize the cultivation, use, and retail sale of cannabis by adults, politicians have suggested amending the law and delaying its implementation. Specifically, lawmakers have called for pushing back the date when adults may legally begin growing…

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Voters In Eight States Approve Marijuana Law Reform In Unprecedented Election Victories

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NORML | November 10, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC — Millions of Americans cast votes on Election Day in favor of sweeping statewide marijuana law reforms.

Voters in four states: California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada approved ballot measures legalizing the adult use of cannabis and licensing its commercial production and retail sale. Voters in four additional states: Arkansas, Florida, Montana, and North Dakota approved initiatives legalizing and/or expanding the use and dispensing of cannabis for therapeutic…

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Four States End Marijuana Prohibition, Three Adopt Medical Marijuana Laws in Historic Election

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Election-2016

Marijuana Policy Project | November 9, 2016

WASHINGTON — California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada voted to end marijuana prohibition and Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota adopted medical marijuana laws Tuesday in the most momentous election to date for marijuana policy reform.

Montana approved an initiative to re-establish patients’ access to medical marijuana providers, which was hindered by state lawmakers, and create a more regulated system of medical marijuana production and distribution.

As of 4:30…

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Marijuana Wins Big: California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada Legalize; Medical Marijuana Sweeps 4 States; Arizona Only Defeat

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 9, 2016

3:00 AM EST: Maine appears to have approved Question 1, legalizing marijuana for adults.  The measure, which had slowly been losing an early lead all evening, has pulled through with 50.6% of the vote and 87.1% of precincts reporting.  Earlier, voters in nearby Massachusetts approved their legalization measure as well.

The only defeat of the evening came in Arizona, where Proposition 205, which would have legalized marijuana for adults, was defeated.

1:59 AM…

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California and Massachusetts Become 5th and 6th States to Legalize, Regulate, and Tax Marijuana for Adult Use; Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas Become 26th, 27th, and 28th States to Legalize Medical Marijuana

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Election-2016

Marijuana Policy Project | November 9, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC — Voters in California and Massachusetts have approved ballot initiatives to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adult use, and voters in Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas have approved medical marijuana programs.

Initiatives to regulate and tax marijuana for adult use are leading in Nevada and Maine and trailing in Arizona. An initiative is leading in Montana that would restore patient access to medical marijuana providers and create a more…

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California & Massachusetts Legalize Marijuana; Maine & Nevada Winning; Arizona Losing; 3 States Approve Medical Marijuana

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 8, 2016

11:45 PM EST: Voters in Massachusetts have legalized marijuana, approving Question 4 with 53.4% of the vote.

11:38 PM EST: Voters in California have approved legalizing marijuana. Currently with 54.8% of the vote and 11% reporting, both the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times are declaring a victory for Amendment 64.  Meanwhile, voters in Arkansas have approved medical marijuana, with 52.2% approval and 61.8% reporting.  Legalization measures in Maine and…

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Marijuana Wins Big on Election Night

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Drug Policy Alliance | November 9, 2016

This Election Day was a watershed moment for the movement to end marijuana prohibition, with the results expected to accelerate efforts to legalize marijuana in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and internationally.  Overall, legalization initiatives prevailed in four out of five states, and medical marijuana initiatives prevailed in all four states this year.

Votes are still being counted for legalization initiatives in Maine and Arizona, as well as for a medical…

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Marijuana Vote Results: Florida Passes Medical Marijuana Amendment 2; Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, South Dakota Marijuana Iniatives All Ahead

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 8, 2016

9:15 PM EST: Polls in Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts and South Dakota have all closed.  Florida has approved medical marijuana Amendment 2.  Legalization measures in Maine and Massachusetts, as well as medical marijuana initiatives in Arkansas and South Dakota, are all out to early leads:

Arkansas: 51.3% in favor, with .2% reporting
Florida: 71.1% in favor, with 76.5% reporting (approved)
Maine: 53.4% in favor, with 4.6% reporting
Massachusetts: 50.8% in favor, with…

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Election Day Voter Guides

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Today is the day! This is the biggest election in marijuana policy reform history, but even if you can’t vote on a legalization or medical marijuana ballot initiative today, you could play an important part to make future progress possible in your state.logo-mpp-286-mpp-and-we-change-laws

Before you vote, please check out MPP’s voter guides if you live in the following places:

Delaware

District of Columbia

Illinois

Nebraska

New Hampshire

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Vermont

And don’t forget to tell your friends in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Maine,

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Latest Polling Information for the 2016 Marijuana Related Ballot Proposals

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Danielle Keane | November 5, 2016

On Tuesday, November 8, nine states will be voting on marijuana related ballot proposals potentially doubling the number of states that allow the recreational use of marijuana and expanding the therapeutic benefits of marijuana use to millions of Americans. Here’s where these measures stand in the latest polls.

Arizona: According to an October Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite poll, 50 percent of registered voters in Arizona favor Proposition 205 and 42 percent oppose it. The…

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Election 2016: Marijuana Law Reform Takes Center Stage

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Drug Policy Alliance | November 2, 2016

This Election Day is shaping up to be a watershed moment for efforts to end marijuana prohibition, with five states voting on marijuana legalization and four more on medical marijuana. The results are expected to have major ramifications for marijuana law reform in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and even internationally.

A recent nationwide Gallup poll found that a record 60 percent of respondents support legalizing marijuana, but polls on this year’s…

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Arkansas Supreme Court Disqualifies Medical Marijuana Initiative

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Today, in a 5-2 ruling, the Arkansas Supreme Court granted a petition disqualifying Issue 7, the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act, from the ballot. Meanwhile, early voting began on Monday in the state. Thus, the ruling robs the over 140,000 voters who have already cast their ballot of the opportunity to make a complete and informed decision. Despite the court’s ruling, Issue 7 will still physically appear on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 8 election. The campaign for Issue 7 urges Arkansans to vote yes on both Issues 6 and 7.ARCompassion logo

Issue 6…

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Poll: Arkansas Voters Favor One MMJ Measure Over the Other

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Arkansas could be one of three new states to legalize medical cannabis this November, and according to a new poll one of the two ballot initiatives that would do so is much more popular with voters.

An ABC affiliate reported that the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, which is supported by Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana, is backed by 49% of voters, with 43% opposing it and 8% unsure, according to the latest Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Survey.

Meanwhile, only 36% of voters support the rival measure, the Arkansas…

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Arkansas MMJ Legalization Loses Out on $1M Campaign Donation

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A group of anonymous donors, along with the Marijuana Policy Project, were ready to throw a cumulative $1 million behind a campaign to legalize medical cannabis in Arkansas, but decided to devote the money to campaigns elsewhere after a second MMJ initiative qualified for the state ballot.

That’s according to MPP founder and executive director Rob Kampia, who said he tried to get the leaders of the second campaign – Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana – to pull their initiative for the sake of only having one legalization measure…

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Week in Review: Dueling Ballot Measures, MT Dispensaries Close, New York Aims for Reform

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By John Schroyer

Arkansas makes what could be an offbeat piece of medical marijuana history, Montana’s MMJ industry comes to at least a temporary end, and New York officials look to bolster the state’s medical cannabis industry.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

Two for the Price of One?

Arkansas will be an interesting state to watch on Election Day.

It’s apparently the first state to have a pair of competing medical marijuana legalization measures on the ballot vying for…

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These 4 States Will Be Voting on Medical Marijuana in November

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These 4 States Will Be Voting on Medical Marijuana in November

Will medical marijuana go four for four this year? It seems likely, but we’re going to have to wait for November 8 to know for sure.

It’s been 20 years since California punched through pot prohibition and became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Now, 23 states have medical marijuana laws, and more than a dozen more have taken the half-step of legalizing the medicinal use of cannabidiol (CBD) only—not raw marijuana.

While some of the early medical marijuana states have now moved on to full legalization—and…

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Second Arkansas MMJ Initiative Poised to Make Ballot

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A second campaign in Arkansas to legalize medical marijuana submitted a final round of signatures to the secretary of state’s office on Friday, and it’s likely more than enough to secure the initiative a spot on the ballot, the Arkansas Times reported.

The campaign, Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana, gathered roughly 23,000 additional signatures to bolster the 72,309 the secretary of state already verified that were submitted in July. The campaign needs a minimum of 84,859 to make the November ballot, and attorney David Couch, who…

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New Poll Finds Arkansans Favor the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act

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New Poll Finds Arkansans Favor the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act

Poll Prompts Medical Cannabis Patients to Invite For-Profit Marijuana Group to Join, Not Oppose Efforts

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Concerned patients and supporters of the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act (AMCA), which has already been certified to appear on the November ballot, are calling on the for-profit group, Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana to forego turning in any remaining signatures on their initiated amendment, inviting them to join their team instead.

The results of the poll, released Thursday, indicate a clear advantage for the…

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Separating Myth From Fact: DPA Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet

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Separating Myth From Fact: DPA Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet

Report Addresses Most Commonly-Asked Questions About Marijuana Use and Its Mfor Historic Votes on Marijuana Law Reform this November

The Drug Policy Alliance on Thursday released Marijuana Facts, intended for non-expert audiences seeking answers to some of the most common questions asked about marijuana use, its effects, and the rapidly-shifting legal landscape.

The booklet addresses 15 frequently-asked questions about subjects such as driving, mental health, brain development, potency, edibles and concentrates.  It touches on marijuana’s…

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Arkansas MMJ Legalization Efforts Raising Cash

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A campaign hoping to get a second medical cannabis legalization measure on the ballot this fall in Arkansas raised $339,982 last month, bringing its total to $444,982, according to a report released Thursday.

The group – Arkansans United for Medical Marijuana – recently submitted signatures to gets its measure in front of voters and is now waiting to hear from the state if it is approved for the November ballot.

According to the report, the campaign shelled out $244,606 last month, including $226,994 on paid canvassers as the date to…

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2016 Marijuana-Related Statewide Ballot Proposals

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2016 Marijuana-Related Statewide Ballot Proposals

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: 2016 is set to be a monumental year for marijuana law reform. There are currently nine pending ballot initiatives to either legalize adult marijuana use or to legalize the use of medical marijuana for qualifying medical conditions. The country could double the number of states that allow the recreational use of marijuana and could potentially expand the therapeutic benefits of marijuana use to millions of Americans come November.

Find below a summary of each of these pending initiatives, links…

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Arkansas Medical Marijuana Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

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Arkansas Medical Marijuana Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Arkansas voters will decide this November on a statewide initiative to permit physician-authorized patients to possess and cultivate cannabis.

The Secretary of State’s office has affirmed that initiative proponents, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, submitted sufficient signatures from registered voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

The 2016 Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act establishes a statewide program for the licensed production, analytic testing, and distribution of medicinal cannabis. Under the…

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Week in Review: MMJ Stare Down, Miracle Wager in Cannabis & Colorado’s Industry Unites

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By John Schroyer and Omar Sacirbey

Two medical marijuana campaigns slug it out in Arkansas, Scotts Miracle-Gro wagers big on a different kind of grass, and Colorado cannabis business leaders unite to fight a potency cap.

Here’s a closer look at some notable developments in the marijuana industry over the past week.

MAD in Arkansas?

Come November, Arkansas voters may confront two competing – and vastly different – ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis. Both could fail as a result, thanks to a Cold War doctrine: mutually assured…

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Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiative Certified for Ballot

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Another southern state may be joining the medical marijuana club this November, along with Louisiana.

Arkansans for Compassionate Care (ACC) announced in a press release Thursday the secretary of state had certified the group’s initiative to legalize medical cannabis. The measure will appear on the November ballot.

The campaign turned in 77,516 valid signatures of registered voters. It needed 67,887 to make the ballot.

Support for medical marijuana in the state is strong, with one of the latest polls putting it at at 58%. Other surveys have…

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Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot

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On July 7, the Arkansas Secretary of State announced that Arkansans for Compassionate Care’s (ACC’s) medical marijuana initiative qualified for this November’s ballot. The measure, the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act, would allow seriously ill patients who have a certification from their doctor to obtain medical cannabis from nonprofit compassion centers. In addition, patients – or their licensed caregivers – could cultivate up to 10 cannabis plants at home provided they take steps to ensure it is secure. For a complete summary,

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Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act Makes the 2016 Ballot

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Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act Makes the 2016 Ballot

Group calls for other medical cannabis initiative to withdraw
or face both failing at ballot.

LITTLE ROCK, AR — A citizen-driven initiative that would allow Arkansas doctors to recommend medical cannabis for sick and dying patients will be on the November ballot.

Mark Martin, the Secretary of State, confirmed today that Arkansans for Compassionate Care (ACC) collected 77,516 valid signatures—more than enough to place the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act on the ballot.

If voters approve the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act, their state will join…

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Arkansas: Medical Cannabis Legalization Measure Qualifies For November Ballot

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Arkansas: Medical Cannabis Legalization Measure Qualifies For November Ballot

Arkansas voters will decide this November on a statewide initiative to permit qualified physician-authorized patients to possess and cultivate cannabis.

The Secretary of State’s office today affirmed that proponents, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, submitted sufficient signatures from registered voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

The 2016 Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act establishes a statewide program for the licensed production, analytic testing, and distribution of medicinal cannabis. Under the program, patients…

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Arkansas Poll Shows Strong Medical Marijuana Support

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A new poll shows strong support for medical marijuana legalization in Arkansas, where voters may have to decide between two competing ballot measures to legalize MMJ come the November election.

Of 751 likely Arkansas voters who were polled June 21, 58% said they would vote for allowing residents to buy medical marijuana from a not-for-profit dispensary, according to the Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll. Another 34% of survey respondents said they opposed medical marijuana legalization, and 8% didn’t know, KATV.com reported.

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