Arkansas court rules votes won't count for medical marijuana measure

On October 21, 2024, the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a ruling that effectively blocked votes for a ballot initiative aimed at expanding medical marijuana. The court found that the language of the proposed measure was misleading, failing to adequately inform voters of its potential consequences on a previously established 2016 constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana. This decision was made in a 4-3 ruling, where justices highlighted the importance of clear and honest communication in ballot measures. The measure's opponents, represented by Protect Arkansas Kids, raised concerns about its wording and its implications for legislative power over marijuana legislation. The court argued that the proposal did not disclose that it would limit the Legislature's authority to amend the earlier medical marijuana law. This led to the conclusion that the misleading title jeopardized the integrity of the voting process. In response to the ruling, the group Arkansans for Patient Access, which spearheaded the initiative, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue advocating for an expanded medical marijuana program. They believed the significant number of signatures they gathered displayed legitimate public support. Justice Cody Hiland, dissenting from the majority opinion, criticized the court's decision, claiming it disregarded established standards regarding ballot titles. This ruling not only stirs debate on the future of medical marijuana in Arkansas but also sets a significant legal precedent concerning the clarity and fairness of ballot initiatives.