Arkansas: Thirty Groups, Eighty-Nine Public Officials Oppose Marijuana Issue 6
Dr. Bill Smith, Editor, ARRA News Service: Recommend Voting NO on ALL Arkansas Ballot Issues.
by Jon Gilmore: On Friday Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana held a press conference regarding widespread opposition to marijuana ballot Issue 6.
The group identified thirty separate organizations and eighty-nine public officials who have come out against Issue 6. Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana noted that opposition to marijuana in Arkansas cuts across political party lines, industries, and professions.
Prominent opponents of Issue 6 identified by the group include Governor Asa Hutchinson; Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe; Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Arkansas Heart Hospital; the Arkansas Medical Society; the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation; and Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Most of the organizations identified at the press conference are not members of Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana, but have issued statements in opposition to Issue 6.
Members of the executive committee of Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana issued statements at the press conference.
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Randy Zook said, “The State Chamber is opposed to Issue 6 because it is promoting marijuana as medicine, which it is not. Further, using a vote of the people to make marijuana medicine is not the correct process. Issue 6’s anti-discrimination clauses will put employers in an unclear environment that will most certainly result in lawsuits, while reducing the safety and productivity of the workplace and available workforce.”
Bo Ryall, President and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association, said, “The Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) opposes ballot Issue 6 on marijuana, and has joined the coalition Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana. This ballot initiative is disguised as ‘medical marijuana,’ but ultimately allows the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. As an association of medical providers and employers, we oppose Issue 6.”
Family Council Action Committee President Jerry Cox said, “These so-called ‘medical marijuana’ ballot measures are nothing more than recreational marijuana masquerading as medicine. Anyone with pain or nausea can qualify to smoke marijuana without a prescription. Drug addiction will plague our children and grandchildren if so-called ‘medical marijuana’ becomes legal.”
Kevin Russell of Coalition for Safe Arkansas Communities said, “Marijuana Issue 6 is extremely dangerous because it's the wolf in sheep's clothing. It is a constitutional amendment that will be nearly impossible to change or place safeguards on to help protect our communities and children. It is financed by big industry backers looking to profit off of our most vulnerable and it is overseen by the Alcohol Beverage Control board, which has absolutely nothing to do with anything remotely medical.”
Larry Page with Arkansas Committee for Ethics Policy said, “Smoked and ingested marijuana is not legitimate medicine. If there are some valid medical applications for components of marijuana, then medical science needs to do the requisite research, extract those components, and develop bona fide medicine for which quality can be assured, dosages can be measured, prescriptions can be issued, and pharmacies can dispense. Get the science right -- and then we can get the law right.”
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation issued a statement, saying, “Farm Bureau's current policy is against Issue 6 due to many reasons, such as the potential abuse the amendment would cause. Allowing ‘pain’ opens it up to basically recreational marijuana and this leads to additional stress to our communities, public safety, and government expense.”
30 Organizations Opposed to “Medical” Marijuana Issues 6 & 7
Thirty different organizations and entities in Arkansas have come out against marijuana proposals Issues 6 & 7. These groups represent people from diverse backgrounds and professions from medical experts to real estate professionals to educators. Their unity against marijuana underscores the broad, negative effect Issues 6 & 7 would have on Arkansas.
1. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
2. Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators
3. Arkansas Association of the Chiefs of Police
4. Arkansas Baptist State Convention
5. Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
6. Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
7. Arkansas Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates
8. Arkansas Children’s Hospital
9. Arkansas Committee for Ethics Policy
10. Arkansas Department of Health
11. Arkansas Farm Bureau
12. Arkansas Fraternal Order of Police
13. Arkansas Heart Hospital
14. Arkansas Hospital Association
15. Landlords Association of Arkansas
16. Arkansas Medical Society
17. Arkansas Pharmacists Association
18. Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association
19. Arkansas Realtors Association
20. Arkansas School Nurses Association
21. Arkansas Society of Human Resource Managers
22. Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
23. Associated Industries of Arkansas
24. Coalition for Safe Arkansas Communities
25. Elks Lodge of Arkansas
26. Families First Action Committee
27. Family Council Action Committee
28. Family Physician Association
29. Human Resource Management Association of Arkansas
30. University of Arkansas for Medical Science
89 Arkansas Public Officials Oppose “Medical” Marijuana Issue 6 & 7
Eighty-nine public officials from Arkansas, including eighty-four state legislators representing both political parties, have come out against Issues 6 & 7. Among these public officials are the state’s top executive; attorneys; public health experts; and legislative leaders. The fact that opposition to “medical” marijuana cuts across party lines and fields of expertise speaks volumes about the negative consequences of efforts to legalize “medical” marijuana in Arkansas.
1. Governor Asa Hutchinson
2. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin
3. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
4. Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe
5. Arkansas Department of Health Director Dr. Nathaniel Smith
6. Senator Alan Clark (R – Lonsdale)
7. Senator Bart Hester (R – Cave Springs)
8. Senator Blake Johnson (R – Corning)
9. Senator Bruce Maloch (D –Magnolia)
10. Senator Cecile Bledsoe (R – Rogers)
11. Senator David Burnett (D- Osceola)
12. Senator David Sanders (R – Little Rock)
13. Senator Eddie Cheatham (D – Crossett)
14. Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R – Cabot)
15. Senator Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch)
16. Senator Greg Standridge (R – Russellville)
17. Senator Jake Files (R – Fort Smith)
18. Senator Jane English (R – North Little Rock)
19. Senator Jason Rapert (R – Conway)
20. Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R – Benton)
21. Senator Jim Hendren (R – Gravette)
22. Senator Jimmy Hickey (R – Texarkana)
23. Senator John Cooper (R – Jonesboro)
24. Senator Jonathan Dismang (R – Beebe)
25. Senator Larry Teague (D – Nashville)
26. Senator Linda Collins-Smith (R – Pocahontas)
27. Senator Missy Irvin (R – Mountain View)
28. Senator Ron Caldwell (R – Wynne)
29. Senator Scott Flippo (R – Mountain Home)
30. Senator Terry Rice (R – Waldron)
31. Senator Uvalde Lindsey (D – Fayetteville)
32. Rep. Andy Davis (R – Little Rock)
33. Rep. Bob Ballinger (R – Hindsville)
34. Rep. Brandt Smith (R – Jonesboro)
35. Rep. Brent Talley (D – McCaskill)
36. Rep. Bruce Cozart (R – Hot Springs)
37. Rep. Charlene Fite (R – Van Buren)
38. Rep. Charles Armstrong (D – Little Rock)
39. Rep. Charlie Collins (R – Fayetteville)
40. Rep. Charlotte Vining Douglas (R – Alma)
41. Rep. Dan Douglas (R – Bentonville)
42. Rep. Dan Sullivan (R – Jonesboro)
43. Rep. Dave Wallace (R – Leachville)
44. Rep. David Branscum (R – Marshall)
45. Rep. David Meeks (D – Conway)
46. Rep. Deborah Ferguson (D – West Memphis)
47. Rep. Donnie Copeland (R – North Little Rock)
48. Rep. Douglas House (R – North Little Rock)
49. Rep. Gary Deffenbaugh (R – Van Buren)
50. Rep. Grant Hodges (R – Rogers)
51. Rep. James Ratliff (D – Imboden)
52. Rep. James Sturch (R – Batesville)
53. Rep. Jana Della Rosa (R – Rogers)
54. Rep. Jeremy Gillam (R – Judsonia)
55. Rep. Jim Dotson (R – Bentonville)
56. Rep. Joe Farrer (R – Austin)
57. Rep. Joe Jett (D – Success)
58. Rep. John Baine (D – El Dorado)
59. Rep. John Payton (R – Wilburn)
60. Rep. Josh Miller (R – Heber Springs)
61. Rep. Julie Mayberry (R – Hensley)
62. Rep. Justin Gonzales (R – Okolona)
63. Rep. Justin Harris (R – West Fork)
64. Rep. Karilyn Brown (R – Sherwood)
65. Rep. Ken Bragg (R - Sheridan)
66. Rep. Kim Hammer (R – Benton)
67. Rep. Kim Hendren (R – Gravette)
68. Rep. Lance Eads (R – Springdale)
69. Rep. Lane Jean (R – Magnolia)
70. Rep. Lanny Fite (R – Benton)
71. Rep. Laurie Rushing (R – Hot Springs)
72. Rep. Les Eaves (R – Searcy)
73. Rep. Marcus Richmond (R – Harvey)
74. Rep. Mark Lowery (R – Maumelle)
75. Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville)
76. Rep. Michelle Gray (R – Melbourne)
77. Rep. Mickey Gates (R – Hot Springs)
78. Rep. Monte Hodges (D – Blytheville)
79. Rep. Nate Bell (I – Mena)
80. Rep. Nelda Speaks (R – Mountain Home)
81. Rep. Prissy Hickerson (R – Texarkana)
82. Rep. Rebecca Petty (R – Rogers)
83. Rep. Richard Womack (R – Arkadelphia)
84. Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R – Springdale)
85. Rep. Ron McNair (R – Alpena)
86. Rep. Stephen Meeks (R – Greenbrier)
87. Rep. Steve Magie, M.D. (D – Conway)
88. Rep. Tim Lemons (R – Cabot)
89. Rep. Trevor Drown (R – Dover)
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Jon Gilmore is President | Gilmore Strategy Group.
Tags: Arkansas, Thirty Groups, Eighty-Nine Public Officials, Oppose Marijuana Issue 6 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
The group identified thirty separate organizations and eighty-nine public officials who have come out against Issue 6. Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana noted that opposition to marijuana in Arkansas cuts across political party lines, industries, and professions.
Prominent opponents of Issue 6 identified by the group include Governor Asa Hutchinson; Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe; Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Arkansas Heart Hospital; the Arkansas Medical Society; the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation; and Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Most of the organizations identified at the press conference are not members of Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana, but have issued statements in opposition to Issue 6.
Members of the executive committee of Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana issued statements at the press conference.
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Randy Zook said, “The State Chamber is opposed to Issue 6 because it is promoting marijuana as medicine, which it is not. Further, using a vote of the people to make marijuana medicine is not the correct process. Issue 6’s anti-discrimination clauses will put employers in an unclear environment that will most certainly result in lawsuits, while reducing the safety and productivity of the workplace and available workforce.”
Bo Ryall, President and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association, said, “The Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) opposes ballot Issue 6 on marijuana, and has joined the coalition Arkansans Against Legalized Marijuana. This ballot initiative is disguised as ‘medical marijuana,’ but ultimately allows the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. As an association of medical providers and employers, we oppose Issue 6.”
Family Council Action Committee President Jerry Cox said, “These so-called ‘medical marijuana’ ballot measures are nothing more than recreational marijuana masquerading as medicine. Anyone with pain or nausea can qualify to smoke marijuana without a prescription. Drug addiction will plague our children and grandchildren if so-called ‘medical marijuana’ becomes legal.”
Kevin Russell of Coalition for Safe Arkansas Communities said, “Marijuana Issue 6 is extremely dangerous because it's the wolf in sheep's clothing. It is a constitutional amendment that will be nearly impossible to change or place safeguards on to help protect our communities and children. It is financed by big industry backers looking to profit off of our most vulnerable and it is overseen by the Alcohol Beverage Control board, which has absolutely nothing to do with anything remotely medical.”
Larry Page with Arkansas Committee for Ethics Policy said, “Smoked and ingested marijuana is not legitimate medicine. If there are some valid medical applications for components of marijuana, then medical science needs to do the requisite research, extract those components, and develop bona fide medicine for which quality can be assured, dosages can be measured, prescriptions can be issued, and pharmacies can dispense. Get the science right -- and then we can get the law right.”
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation issued a statement, saying, “Farm Bureau's current policy is against Issue 6 due to many reasons, such as the potential abuse the amendment would cause. Allowing ‘pain’ opens it up to basically recreational marijuana and this leads to additional stress to our communities, public safety, and government expense.”
30 Organizations Opposed to “Medical” Marijuana Issues 6 & 7
Thirty different organizations and entities in Arkansas have come out against marijuana proposals Issues 6 & 7. These groups represent people from diverse backgrounds and professions from medical experts to real estate professionals to educators. Their unity against marijuana underscores the broad, negative effect Issues 6 & 7 would have on Arkansas.
1. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
2. Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators
3. Arkansas Association of the Chiefs of Police
4. Arkansas Baptist State Convention
5. Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
6. Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
7. Arkansas Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates
8. Arkansas Children’s Hospital
9. Arkansas Committee for Ethics Policy
10. Arkansas Department of Health
11. Arkansas Farm Bureau
12. Arkansas Fraternal Order of Police
13. Arkansas Heart Hospital
14. Arkansas Hospital Association
15. Landlords Association of Arkansas
16. Arkansas Medical Society
17. Arkansas Pharmacists Association
18. Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association
19. Arkansas Realtors Association
20. Arkansas School Nurses Association
21. Arkansas Society of Human Resource Managers
22. Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
23. Associated Industries of Arkansas
24. Coalition for Safe Arkansas Communities
25. Elks Lodge of Arkansas
26. Families First Action Committee
27. Family Council Action Committee
28. Family Physician Association
29. Human Resource Management Association of Arkansas
30. University of Arkansas for Medical Science
89 Arkansas Public Officials Oppose “Medical” Marijuana Issue 6 & 7
Eighty-nine public officials from Arkansas, including eighty-four state legislators representing both political parties, have come out against Issues 6 & 7. Among these public officials are the state’s top executive; attorneys; public health experts; and legislative leaders. The fact that opposition to “medical” marijuana cuts across party lines and fields of expertise speaks volumes about the negative consequences of efforts to legalize “medical” marijuana in Arkansas.
1. Governor Asa Hutchinson
2. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin
3. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
4. Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe
5. Arkansas Department of Health Director Dr. Nathaniel Smith
6. Senator Alan Clark (R – Lonsdale)
7. Senator Bart Hester (R – Cave Springs)
8. Senator Blake Johnson (R – Corning)
9. Senator Bruce Maloch (D –Magnolia)
10. Senator Cecile Bledsoe (R – Rogers)
11. Senator David Burnett (D- Osceola)
12. Senator David Sanders (R – Little Rock)
13. Senator Eddie Cheatham (D – Crossett)
14. Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R – Cabot)
15. Senator Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch)
16. Senator Greg Standridge (R – Russellville)
17. Senator Jake Files (R – Fort Smith)
18. Senator Jane English (R – North Little Rock)
19. Senator Jason Rapert (R – Conway)
20. Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R – Benton)
21. Senator Jim Hendren (R – Gravette)
22. Senator Jimmy Hickey (R – Texarkana)
23. Senator John Cooper (R – Jonesboro)
24. Senator Jonathan Dismang (R – Beebe)
25. Senator Larry Teague (D – Nashville)
26. Senator Linda Collins-Smith (R – Pocahontas)
27. Senator Missy Irvin (R – Mountain View)
28. Senator Ron Caldwell (R – Wynne)
29. Senator Scott Flippo (R – Mountain Home)
30. Senator Terry Rice (R – Waldron)
31. Senator Uvalde Lindsey (D – Fayetteville)
32. Rep. Andy Davis (R – Little Rock)
33. Rep. Bob Ballinger (R – Hindsville)
34. Rep. Brandt Smith (R – Jonesboro)
35. Rep. Brent Talley (D – McCaskill)
36. Rep. Bruce Cozart (R – Hot Springs)
37. Rep. Charlene Fite (R – Van Buren)
38. Rep. Charles Armstrong (D – Little Rock)
39. Rep. Charlie Collins (R – Fayetteville)
40. Rep. Charlotte Vining Douglas (R – Alma)
41. Rep. Dan Douglas (R – Bentonville)
42. Rep. Dan Sullivan (R – Jonesboro)
43. Rep. Dave Wallace (R – Leachville)
44. Rep. David Branscum (R – Marshall)
45. Rep. David Meeks (D – Conway)
46. Rep. Deborah Ferguson (D – West Memphis)
47. Rep. Donnie Copeland (R – North Little Rock)
48. Rep. Douglas House (R – North Little Rock)
49. Rep. Gary Deffenbaugh (R – Van Buren)
50. Rep. Grant Hodges (R – Rogers)
51. Rep. James Ratliff (D – Imboden)
52. Rep. James Sturch (R – Batesville)
53. Rep. Jana Della Rosa (R – Rogers)
54. Rep. Jeremy Gillam (R – Judsonia)
55. Rep. Jim Dotson (R – Bentonville)
56. Rep. Joe Farrer (R – Austin)
57. Rep. Joe Jett (D – Success)
58. Rep. John Baine (D – El Dorado)
59. Rep. John Payton (R – Wilburn)
60. Rep. Josh Miller (R – Heber Springs)
61. Rep. Julie Mayberry (R – Hensley)
62. Rep. Justin Gonzales (R – Okolona)
63. Rep. Justin Harris (R – West Fork)
64. Rep. Karilyn Brown (R – Sherwood)
65. Rep. Ken Bragg (R - Sheridan)
66. Rep. Kim Hammer (R – Benton)
67. Rep. Kim Hendren (R – Gravette)
68. Rep. Lance Eads (R – Springdale)
69. Rep. Lane Jean (R – Magnolia)
70. Rep. Lanny Fite (R – Benton)
71. Rep. Laurie Rushing (R – Hot Springs)
72. Rep. Les Eaves (R – Searcy)
73. Rep. Marcus Richmond (R – Harvey)
74. Rep. Mark Lowery (R – Maumelle)
75. Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville)
76. Rep. Michelle Gray (R – Melbourne)
77. Rep. Mickey Gates (R – Hot Springs)
78. Rep. Monte Hodges (D – Blytheville)
79. Rep. Nate Bell (I – Mena)
80. Rep. Nelda Speaks (R – Mountain Home)
81. Rep. Prissy Hickerson (R – Texarkana)
82. Rep. Rebecca Petty (R – Rogers)
83. Rep. Richard Womack (R – Arkadelphia)
84. Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R – Springdale)
85. Rep. Ron McNair (R – Alpena)
86. Rep. Stephen Meeks (R – Greenbrier)
87. Rep. Steve Magie, M.D. (D – Conway)
88. Rep. Tim Lemons (R – Cabot)
89. Rep. Trevor Drown (R – Dover)
--------------
Jon Gilmore is President | Gilmore Strategy Group.
Tags: Arkansas, Thirty Groups, Eighty-Nine Public Officials, Oppose Marijuana Issue 6 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
Posted by Bill Smith at 7:01 PM - Post Link
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