The following is a press release from the Family Council Action Committee.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
LITTLE ROCK — On Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court handed down a decision allowing the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act to remain on the November General Election ballot. The Court denied a request by the Coalition to Preserve Arkansas Values to have the measure removed from the ballot.
Yesterday I went on the radio for a civil debate over the marijuana measure currently proposed for the November ballot. A lot of questions were brought up during that discussion that highlight the flaws in the measure, but what I came away with more than anything is a belief that many of those supporting the medical marijuana measure do not see the unintended consequences of the proposal’s broad language. Let me give you some examples of the questions and myths that illustrate this point.
Have you tried to buy Sudafed™ lately? Their behind-the-counter decongestant is great, but it’s also a hassle to purchase. You have to show ID, meet age requirements, and fill out paperwork, because they don’t want people misusing its active ingredient—pseudoephedrine—to manufacture drugs or for other unintended purposes.
But the truth is under the medical marijuana law coming up for a vote this November, it will arguably be easier to acquire marijuana than Sudafed™. The reason? There will only be about 30 marijuana dispensaries throughout the state of Arkansas—not even enough to put one in every county. What does this law say you can do if you live more than five miles from a dispensary? It says you can grow your own.