Marijuana question on ballot in Fayetteville

By The Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville voters will be asked in November to decide whether to make marijuana possession a lower priority for police.

A coalition called Sensible Fayetteville has gathered enough signatures to place the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot, the city clerk's office says.

The measure is similar to one approved by Eureka Springs voters in 2006. The Fayetteville proposal would make possession of marijuana by an adult for that person's sole use "the city of Fayetteville's lowest law enforcement and prosecutorial priority."

Ryan Denham, campaign director for Sensible Fayetteville, says that if the measure passes, the group hopes officers will not arrest someone for possessing a small amount of marijuana.

"We're also trying to educate the public that students lose federal financial aid if convicted of marijuana possession," he says. "We think that sends the wrong message."

City Police Chief Greg Tabor says if the measure passes, it will not supersede state drug laws and will not affect law enforcement.

"Marijuana possession is a Class A misdemeanor, which means you have to be fingerprinted and have your picture taken by state law," the chief says. "That means you'll have to go to jail."

City Attorney Kit Williams agrees.

For more information see Sunday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.