Arkansas officials have been ordered to count approximately 18,000 signatures for a proposed medical marijuana amendment. The decision was made by Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Wendell Griffen after a legal challenge was brought forth by medical marijuana advocacy group Arkansas True Grass.
The group had sued the Arkansas secretary of state’s office, claiming that they had wrongfully disqualified a significant number of signatures in their effort to get the amendment on the ballot. The lawsuit alleged that the secretary of state’s office had improperly invalidated signatures from over 14,000 registered voters.
Judge Griffen ruled in favor of Arkansas True Grass, ordering the secretary of state’s office to count the disputed signatures and revisiting their decision to disqualify them. The ruling could potentially push the total number of valid signatures over the threshold required to qualify for the ballot.
The proposed medical marijuana amendment seeks to expand access to medical cannabis in Arkansas, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to obtain a medical marijuana card and legally purchase and use the drug. Supporters of the amendment argue that medical marijuana can provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, and other medical conditions.
With the court’s decision to count the additional signatures, the amendment’s chances of making it onto the ballot have been significantly bolstered. Arkansas True Grass and other advocates are hopeful that the measure will ultimately be approved by voters, granting access to medical marijuana for those in need. The secretary of state’s office has yet to comment on the ruling or indicate whether they plan to appeal the decision.
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