Arkansas governor criticizes marijuana, casino proposals

Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.

HOT SPRINGS — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is stepping up his criticism of ballot measures to legalize medical marijuana, saying they would be a drain on state resources rather than a boon.

The Republican governor Thursday also said he opposes a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow casinos in three Arkansas counties.

Speaking to the Association of Arkansas Counties, Hutchinson cited concerns about the regulatory and enforcement issues surrounding the proposals that would allow patients with certain medical conditions and a doctor's recommendation to buy marijuana. The secretary of state's office has approved one medical marijuana proposal for the November ballot and is reviewing petitions for a competing measure.

Arkansas voters in 2012 narrowly rejected legalizing medical marijuana. Hutchinson is a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.

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