Gov. Hutchinson voiced his opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arkansas, saying that he will be voting “no” against the issue in November.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson voiced his opposition online to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arkansas. The governor shared that he will be voting no against the issue, noting “the science” behind the usage.
“The science is clear. Recreational marijuana leads to increased drug use among minors & more dangerous roadways. This November, I’m voting NO on Issue 4 to legalize recreational marijuana in Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said online.
The governor’s opposition comes after the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered for recreational marijuana to conditionally be on the upcoming ballot.
Following the court’s ruling, the measure to legalize recreational marijuana will be on the November ballot, but it is still unclear as to whether the votes will count, according to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
After receiving the necessary amount of signatures, the measure was denied certification by the state Board of Election Commissioners on Aug. 3. Officials pointed to the measure not having “sufficient background checks for dispensary owners or THC limits,” as the reason behind its denial.
It’s been back and forth for the recreational marijuana measure after more than 192,000 signatures were submitted in early July by Responsible Growth Arkansas. This number of signatures was more than double the 89,151 signatures that were needed.
The group then filed a lawsuit after the measure’s denial, saying that the state Board of Election Commissioners made an “incorrect denial” as it prevents “hundreds of thousands of Arkansans to have the opportunity to vote on the Amendment.”
There is new information from the Supreme Court that moves recreational marijuana ‘one step closer’ to a ballot vote for this November.
After a public petition from Responsible Growth Arkansas, the issue was pushed towards the ballot, and there was some back and forth with the state board of election commission regarding the specifics of the petition’s title.
By Wednesday, the court wants the Secretary of State to decide if they will or won’t certify the petition.
A lawyer with Responsible Growth Arkansas said this will leave the final ruling on your vote to legalize recreational marijuana will count or not to come anytime after the decision on Wednesday.
