New Research Shows Heavy Marijuana Use Clouds Brain Function

Marijuana

New research shows heavy marijuana use significantly impairs brain function — particularly working memory.

Medical experts have found repeatedly that marijuana is linked to psychological and cognitive problems. Researchers writing recently in JAMA Network Open examined brain imagining from more than 1,000 young adults ages 22-36.

This study examined the ways recent marijuana use and heavy marijuana use affect brain activity during cognitive tasks.

Overall, marijuana users showed reduced activity in areas of the brain linked to memory, attention, and decision-making.

From heart disease and stroke to respiratory problems and mental illness, marijuana has been found time and time again to pose health hazards.

Fortunately, Arkansas has resisted efforts to legalize recreational marijuana.

All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Bill Filed to Create Tax Credit for Donations to Charities that Support Women with Unplanned Pregnancies

Legislation, , ,

Legislation filed Tuesday would create a tax credit for donations to charities that support women with unplanned pregnancies.

H.B. 1404 by Rep. Cameron Cooper (R — Romance) and Sen. John Payton (R — Wilburn) establishes an state income tax credit for donations to pregnancy help organizations — such as pregnancy resource centers and similar charities — in Arkansas. Under this bill, individuals and businesses could receive a 50% income tax credit for contributions to qualified pregnancy help organizations.

The bill would not provide a tax credit for donations to abortionists or their affiliates.

The State of Arkansas currently provides grant money to pro-life charities that provide women with real options besides abortion. H.B. 1404 would provide a tax incentive for individuals and businesses to donate to these pro-life charities as well.

You Can Read H.B. 1404 Here.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Arkansas Senate Puts Alcohol Delivery Bill on Ice

Alcohol,

On Monday a measure expanding alcohol delivery in Arkansas failed receive enough votes to pass in the state senate.

Generally speaking, state law did not make it possible for stores to deliver alcohol directly to people’s homes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers first enacted alcohol delivery legislation following COVID lockdowns.

S.B. 98 by Sen. Breanne Davis (R — Russellville) and Rep. John Maddox (R — Mena) expands alcohol delivery in Arkansas.

The measure expands the list of stores that can deliver alcohol to include grocery stores, small farm wine convenience stores, and retail beer sellers. The bill also lets delivery companies obtain permits to deliver alcohol to consumers on behalf of the stores.

Currently, retailers are directly responsible for ensuring all alcohol deliveries comply with state laws — including laws against delivering to minors. S.B. 98 shifts liability from the retailer to the delivery service.

Right now, retailers have accountability in following alcohol laws. Under S.B. 98, alcohol deliverers may not have the same amount of oversight or accountability — which, for example, could increase the likelihood of alcohol being delivered to a minor.

As we have written before, alcohol is already readily available in Arkansas. Any law expanding its strength, availability, or consumption raises serious concerns about DUI offenses, crime, public health, and public safety.

That is why Family Council generally opposes the expansion of alcohol in Arkansas.

Although S.B. 98 failed to pass on Monday, the measure could be brought back up for another vote in the future.

The Following Senators Voted FOR S.B. 98

  • J. Boyd
  • J. Bryant
  • Crowell
  • B. Davis
  • J. Dismang
  • J. English
  • Flippo
  • Hester
  • Irvin
  • M. Johnson
  • G. Leding
  • M. McKee
  • Stone
  • D. Sullivan
  • D. Wallace

The Following Senators Voted AGAINST S.B. 98

  • A. Clark
  • Dees
  • S. Flowers
  • Gilmore
  • Hickey
  • Hill
  • F. Love
  • J. Payton
  • C. Penzo
  • Rice
  • J. Scott
  • G. Stubblefield

The Following Senators Did Not Vote

  • Caldwell
  • J. Dotson
  • K. Hammer
  • B. Johnson
  • B. King
  • R. Murdock
  • J. Petty
  • C. Tucker

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