Medical marijuana backers defend measure
By The Associated Press
This article was published September 12, 2012 at 12:38 p.m.
- Comments (15)
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LITTLE ROCK — Backers of a medical marijuana proposal in Arkansas say language describing the measure gives voters a fair summary of its effects and want the state’s highest court to reject efforts to knock it off the ballot.
Supporters and opponents of the proposed initiated act to legalize medical marijuana sparred in briefs filed with the state Supreme Court on Wednesday.
A coalition of conservative groups wants the court to either remove the measure from the ballot or order election officials to not count votes for it. The groups claim the ballot title doesn’t inform voters of all of the law’s consequences.
Arkansans for Compassionate Care said its proposal accurately summarizes the law so voters can make an informed decision.
Comments on: Medical marijuana backers defend measure
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NONSHEEPLE says... September 12, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
"A coalition of conservative groups wants the court to either remove the measure from the ballot or order election officials to not count votes for it" The PEOPLE have spoken by signing all those petitions so the PEOPLE will get a chance to CHOOSE for themselves what they want for a change. I can promise you if a court steps in to tamper with this proccess there will be backlash..
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HawgFan says... September 12, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.
Dude...
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mac1058 says... September 12, 2012 at 1:32 p.m.
If a person can't accurately make a decision on this measure then simpley put,
they shouldn't vote ...
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drs01 says... September 12, 2012 at 1:33 p.m.
I thought the role of the courts and/or the Attorney General was to decide if a ballot title is really describing what the people of this state are being asked to vote for or against. If there are those who feel the ballot title does not accomplish that requirement, then the courts SHOULD decide. After all, this is a MATTER OF CREATING A LAW that we all must live with forever. Historically, most if not all voters don't bother to read the "fine print" in any of these amendments; therefore, it is imperative that the title reflect the true consequences of our vote. This action is just another way the people are speaking. So let their voices be heard.
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NoUserName says... September 12, 2012 at 1:41 p.m.
Still illegal on the Federal level.
.
"The groups claim the ballot title doesn’t inform voters of all of the law’s consequences."
.
And this is just stupid. How can one accurately describe ALL the consequences of a proposed law.
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NONSHEEPLE says... September 12, 2012 at 1:51 p.m.
Simply follow the amended states laws of those who have already put this into motion. It doesn't have to be difficult. This is more about groups of people wanting to keep others from something because THEY don't agree with it.
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DixiePig says... September 12, 2012 at 2:27 p.m.
lol at sheep.....let us vote......this will go down in flames.
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sugarcat says... September 12, 2012 at 2:40 p.m.
Sounds to me like the people who oppose legalization for medical or any other use are grasping at straws to prevent the voters from their legal right to vote in an enactment. The proof is in about marijuana's benefits and nothing substantial against it's use has been presented. I wish those people could live with the pain I feel for a while, then they would likely change their tune. Maybe they make money from the illegality, and that's why they don't want it legalized. Let the voters have their say. I've read the bill, and I can see nothing wrong with the wording, and if I can understand it then there is no reason they can't.
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AtomicFart says... September 12, 2012 at 3:22 p.m.
WWJD?
Roll a BIG FAT ONE!
Afterall, he did make the stuff.
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Pobucker says... September 12, 2012 at 3:31 p.m.
yeah - and his daddy said it was good and only hateful people would forbid it.
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Jjackk says... September 12, 2012 at 3:45 p.m.
The vote should be if alcohol is legal then marijuana is legal. Outlaw both or neither.
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Oldearkie says... September 12, 2012 at 4:32 p.m.
If marijuana relieves the pain of even one person, then is it worthwhile. of course, it will be used wrong, but then so is aspirin and probably everything else.
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Got2Kids says... September 12, 2012 at 4:50 p.m.
It is ridiculous to prosecute people over maryjane, unless they operate a motor vehicle while high, period. Ask a law enforcement officer if they would rather stop a vehicle with a drunk driver or high driver, or how many domestic disturbances / beat downs occur involving alcohol versus maryjane. Just because the government decided it was "bad" for you decades ago doesn't mean the right decision was made, and just because the government rarely, if ever, admits that it made a mistake doesn't mean the people should not get to vote on this measure. No reason for it not to be legal.
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RBBrittain says... September 12, 2012 at 4:58 p.m.
The ballot title begins, "AN ACT MAKING THE MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA LEGAL UNDER ARKANSAS STATE LAW, BUT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT MARIJUANA USE, POSSESSION, AND DISTRIBUTION FOR ANY PURPOSE REMAIN ILLEGAL UNDER FEDERAL LAW". If that ain't clear to BOTH sides, I don't know what is.
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arky870 says... September 12, 2012 at 5:05 p.m.
legalize it or make alcohol illegal too. alcohol is much worse than marijuana.i bet most of those against this is all for having a drink
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