In a significant step towards expanding Arkansas' medical marijuana program, activists from Arkansans for Patient Access (APA) have submitted over 111,402 signatures for a proposed ballot measure. The initiative aims to enhance the state's existing medical cannabis program while simultaneously paving the way for the automatic legalization of recreational cannabis in the event of federal reform.

The campaign collected signatures across 62 counties, surpassing the required threshold set by the state. To qualify, at least 90,704 valid signatures must be obtained from 50 counties. The proposal seeks to empower healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, pharmacists, and osteopathic doctors, to issue cannabis recommendations to patients for any condition they deem appropriate.

If passed, the measure would also allow patients to cultivate their own marijuana at home. Importantly, the interval for renewing medical marijuana cards would be extended to three years, a notable improvement compared to the current one-year renewal period.

Furthermore, the initiative includes a trigger provision that would completely end the prohibition of cannabis in Arkansas if the federal government enacts nationwide legalization. This provision demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to adapt state law in line with federal developments.

In addition to these changes, the proposed measure would enable dispensaries to sell pre-rolled joints, offering patients increased convenience and accessibility.

Melissa Fults, a spokesperson for the campaign, expressed pride and excitement in surpassing the signature requirement. She further emphasized ongoing efforts to collect additional signatures over the next month, ensuring a successful qualification for the ballot. Arkansas allows an additional 30-day period after the initial deadline if a minimum of 75 percent of the required signatures was collected in the first batch.

Bill Paschall, a committee member of the APA campaign, highlighted their canvassers' positive reception during signature collection, with voters demonstrating a strong desire to eliminate barriers to access and reduce the cost of acquiring and maintaining a medical marijuana card.

Moving forward, the campaign intends to educate Arkansans throughout the state about the proposed amendment and the medicinal benefits of marijuana. With the state's medical marijuana program already exceeding expectations, having attracted over 102,000 registered patients since its implementation in 2019, the upcoming ballot measure holds immense potential for further advancement of cannabis access and affordability in Arkansas.

This article was generated using the information provided by Marijuana Moment.