‘Rx Pot’ on ballot

STATE’S HIGH COURT OKS MEASURE

The Arkansas Supreme Court last week swiftly thrust the Nov. 6 ballot issues to the forefront of this state’s divided political spectrum.

The high court, in doing its judicial job, ruled that the wording of Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, can proceed to the voters for their ultimate decision.

Remember voters, the issue before the court was about the ballot title and how it appears on the ballot. This was not a legal case about what the initiative can do — as seen so differently, by either side of this complex issue.

The battle, it seems, has leapt from the courtrooms to the pews of churches across Arkansas. No doubt, soon, it will be on the airwaves of our state.

But will local Democrats and Republicans seeking office weigh in on this very emotional issue? Few will, I predict.

Some Republicans, without a doubt, wanting to shore up more conservative support, will wildly rage against the measure.

Likewise, some Democrats, wanting to appeal as “progressive” and to ease the suffering of those that are ill, may endorse the act.

Gov. Mike Beebe, sticking to his initial summation of this measure, won’t be voting for it, he says. He’s also concerned with the cost of the infrastructure to set up this process.

Already, a group opposing the measure, the Coalition to Preserve Arkansas Values, which lost its bid asking the state Supreme Court to stop the measure, says it is ready to fight. And fight they will. The Coalition is a looseknit group made up of members of the Arkansas Family Council, led by Jerry Cox, and the Faith and Ethics Council’s executive director, Larry Page.

The issue of the lengthy ballot title is over. The real campaign now focuses on the ability to inform and sway voters.

What the measure, if approved, would allow the state Health Department to set up a system for registered and qualified patients to be allowed to have up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana without prosecution by the state. These regulations would also encompass the establishment of a system for cultivating and distributing marijuana for qualified patients through nonprofit dispensaries. A pretty complex structure at first blush.

The patients could — and that’s the operative word here — could qualify if they have cancer, glaucoma, human immunodeficiency virus syndrome (HIV/AIDS), or HepatitisC.

Should voters approve the measure, our state will be the first in the South to legalize the use of medical marijuana. Some 17 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana. Despite these voter approvals, possession of the drug is still a federal crime in every state.

This ballot issue may well be decided in the seven largest counties in the state — three of which are in Northwest Arkansas. Most ballot issues are either won or lost where these largest populations of voters are often the most informed and passionate about ballot issues.

The most chilling affect the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act may have is on the other ballot issues.

Often when political passions ignite, demagoguery raises its ugly head. I can see where Sunday audiences will be suggested just to vote AGAINST ALL the ballot issues on November 7.

There are other important issues on the ballot worth consideration.

Don’t let your emotions on one issue — either pro or con — distract your vote on other ballot measures.

There are more issues to be decided at the polls than just the Medical Marijuana Act.

Maylon Rice