Arkansas activist group, Arkansas True Grass, is currently collecting signatures for their recreational cannabis legalization measure. They’ve been collecting signatures since November 2020, and have collected around 10,000 signatures. They need a total of 89,151 valid signatures by July 2022 for the measure to qualify for the general election ballot later that year. 

Ballot Measure

Arkansas True Grass hopes to push Arkansas to legalize recreational cannabis. The state already offers medical cannabis for qualifying patients, which legalized in 2016. Under the Arkansas True Grass measure, citizens 21 and over can purchase up to four ounces of cannabis. Unlike other states, there would be no possession limit if it remains out of the public’s view. 

For example, in a private home, a person can possess as much raw cannabis product as they would like as long as it’s not visible in the windows of the home or easily seen by neighbors or anyone along the road. Additionally, citizens can grow up to 12 plants in their homes at a time for personal use. 

Additionally, all cannabis sales would qualify for the state’s standard 6.5 percent sales tax. There would be an additional eight percent excise tax, and up to five percent in local tax applied to purchases as well. Any recreational cannabis businesses would be issued licences though the Arkansas Agriculture Department and Alcoholic Beverage control Division. They would also be responsible for any regulation laws and implementation measures. 

Finally, the Arkansas True Grass ballot measure includes expungement measures for prior cannabis convictions. Also, anyone currently incarcerated with offenses that would become legal under this new measure would receive a pardon and become released from custody

Support

Arkansas True Grass feels like they will have no problem gaining the needed signatures for this upcoming measure. The public realizes a need for recreational cannabis.  

“While Arkansas does have a great medical marijuana program, it does have shortcomings. It doesn’t allow for the patients to grow and the medicine itself is very expensive,” Jesse Rapheal of Arkansas True Grass told local news reporters.

“I feel like we’re doing alright,” said Briana Boling. She’s a spokesperson for Arkansas True Grass. “We’ve got the State Fair this year—we got a booth at the State Fair, so that’s going to be a lot of signatures.”

As more information becomes available about this legalization measure, we will update you with the latest.

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