FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Little Rock, Ark. — On Thursday the Arkansas Supreme Court chose to leave Issue 4, a proposed constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana in Arkansas, on the 2022 ballot.
Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “Issue 4 is a misleading proposal to legalize marijuana in Arkansas. It was crafted and supported by the marijuana industry. If it passes, Arkansas arguably will have the most unregulated cannabis industry of any state in America. That could bring serious crime and drug problems to Arkansas.”
Cox said Issue 4 is a recipe for disaster in Arkansas. “Issue 4 specifically prohibits the state from requiring criminal background checks for certain marijuana business owners. It legalizes any and all products, chemicals and derivatives made from the cannabis plant. It blocks public officials from zoning marijuana businesses or restricting marijuana use. It says point blank that state and local government cannot place additional taxes on marijuana. The amendment makes marijuana one of the least regulated industries in Arkansas. That is a recipe for disaster.”
Cox said Arkansans need to understand that marijuana legalization is being driven by drug cartels and big businesses. “Marijuana is a multi-billion dollar business. Drug cartels and shady corporations are cashing in on marijuana in states like Oregon and California. They clearly want to expand their market to Arkansas. We remain committed to fighting them every step of the way. Our state doesn’t need another drug problem.”
