CANDIDATES SUPPORTING MARIJUANA REFORM

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 I believe that now is the time for Arkansas to develop a just and equitable cannabis industry that encourages economic growth, funds education programs, and will protect police officers and citizens alike. I favor the legalization of recreational cannabis, which would generate tax revenue for educational programs and expunge nonviolent felony and misdemeanor cannabis convictions.

The resources that have gone into law enforcement and convictions could then be refocused on preventing and handling serious crimes. Legalizing cannabis would also allow for economic development and early movement into a rapidly-growing industry. Development now would allow expansion of existing agricultural education programs using federal funds and support Arkansas farmers in solidifying their presence in this industry.

These actions would also protect existing medical cannabis farmers and business owners, and ensure that the economic benefits from this industry remain in Arkansas and for Arkansans. In Arkansas, legalizing recreational cannabis would create substantial tax revenue for the state. As seen in other states who have legalized cannabis, billions of dollars have been made and allocated to programs and grants addressing education, health, and more. As Governor, I would have the state manage and collect the funds raised by taxing, licensing, and other fee revenue from the cannabis industry. These funds would be allocated to education programs including preschool for all, youth literacy, develop trade certification programs, and college scholarships. Legalizing cannabis means allowing the production and consumption of marijuana, but it also means expunging criminal records related to marijuana. People should not spend the rest of their lives paying for crimes related to cannabis, and then, law enforcement can focus on more serious crimes. Unjust marijuana policies disproportionately impact Black, Brown, and low-income Arkansans. Just and equitable cannabis industry is imperative for both social and economic progress in our state.

To create a more just and equitable cannabis industry, I would:

• Work with lawmakers in the state legislature to ensure legalization of recreational cannabis and the establishment of an education fund.
• Allocate revenue to Arkansas’ education programs through the taxes on cannabis.
• Enhance and expand existing training programs to increase economic revenue for Arkansas’s farmers
• Equip Arkansas’ law enforcement to refocus resources to more serious crimes.
• Fight to prevent undue harm from coming to more Black, Brown, and low-income communities in the criminal justice system.

https://chrisforgovernor.com/   https://www.facebook.com/jonesforar

 In 2020 when I ran for the US Senate, cannabis reform and legalization was a major platform. I have continued that push for legalization of cannabis and its removal from the DEA schedule list. Here in the state of Arkansas, I supported the True Grass amendment. I felt that is was more in line with the principles of Liberty. If elected governor, I pledge to expunge the records of those with non-violent cannabis possession charges, and advocate for a fair cannabis industry in the state of Arkansas.  

https://www.rickyharrington.com/   

 Arkansans deserve safe and affordable access to tested products, the right for patients to grow at home, expungement for non-violent cannabis offenses, and social equity programs to aid Arkansans hurt by the failed war on drugs.

https://www.kellyforarkansas.com/  https://www.facebook.com/KellyforArkansas

 I support the complete legalization of marijuana in Arkansas. Residents should be able to grow, sell and consume cannabis in the same way they do tomatoes, basil or any other fruit, herb or vegetable. Until that is politically possible, I support other measures that may ultimately lead to that result. As a Libertarian I believe that every person has an absolute right to live their life in any way they choose so long as they do not violate the same absolute rights of others. Government has no role in the production, distribution and consumption of food, beverage or other products if no one is injured by the process or compelled to partake in it. Prohibition has never worked and always does more damage than the supposed evil it is designed to eradicate. Current state and federal legislation should be changed and any person currently in prison, on probation or otherwise punished for violations of those unconstitutional laws should be immediately released and all criminal records cleared. Doing these things is not an easy matter. It will require years of dedicated political activism. I look forward to working with you to that end 

https://frankgilbert.org/  l.

 Too many Arkansans are locked away for possession of small amounts of marijuana – something that is now legal under many circumstances. We’ve seen the life-altering and even life-saving effects that medical marijuana can have for cancer patients, veterans suffering from PTSD, and those who suffer from chronic pain. And we saw at the polls that an overwhelming majority of Arkansas want greater access to marijuana as a medical treatment option.  It’s time for our state law to catch up to what Arkansans want. It’s time to legalize and regulate marijuana use. To address the real problems of our criminal justice system it’s time for our state to stop paying to keep low-level offenders locked up and instead, to regulate and tax marijuana, so that we are raising, not losing money. 

https://www.facebook.com/ABforAR

https://www.abforar.com/

 Since the fairly recent passage of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, we have seen important positive effects in the lives of many Arkansans. That includes those suffering from chronic illnesses, such as cancer, glaucoma, arthritis, and other debilitating conditions. It also includes many veterans suffering from PTSD as a direct result of their service to our country. A country that is rapidly realizing the personal and economic benefits of cannabis. 

While the Attorney General must enforce laws as they are written, it is important to realize and advocate for policies that benefit the citizens of Arkansas and the state itself. In addition to the benefits of a just and equitable cannabis industry cited above, the legalization of recreational cannabis would be an important and driving factor in generating additional tax revenue to fund our local schools, higher education, and a myriad of programs that would benefit Arkansans. Other states have shown us that there are billions of dollars for the state to reap and allocate to important health and education programs, and we would be wise to follow suit. 

In addition, legalization of recreational cannabis would free up our law enforcement officers to focus on violent crime. Resources that had previously gone to policing cannabis would be freed up to keep our streets, neighborhoods, and schools safer. It is time to stop the never ending cycle of keeping low level offenders locked up. Instead, we should regulate and tax cannabis so that we are raising, not spending, money that would benefit Arkansas. 

https://www.jessegibsonforarkansas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jessegibson4ag

watch Judson's video here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K1O82edjjbfrwSjQVjyhtPVA8tvWJRPR/view?usp=sharing

https://www.facebook.com/TeamScanlonAR

https://teamscanlon.com/

Arkansas has proven a patient need for cannabis since voters authorized its sale for medicinal purposes six years ago. Year over year, more Arkansans are registering for medical cannabis cards and dispensaries are booming. No one can deny the economic driver of legal cannabis. On the campaign trail, I have heard repeatedly the positive benefits cannabis has had on Saline County residents and their families — from elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases to young entrepreneurs beginning their careers in local dispensaries. There have been no substantial or long-term negative benefits from the current sale of cannabis in Arkansas. 

Arkansas should take the next step in legalizing cannabis for all use, including recreational for adults 21 years old and older.. The benefits of doing so would unlock millions for Arkansas families and workers, as well as provide lucrative tax revenue for the state. Moreover — and more importantly — a majority of Arkansans want legal cannabis, and our elected representatives should heed that public opinion. It’s important that while instituting legal cannabis Arkansas also: 

● Allocate tax revenue for the cannabis industry to public services, such as public education, medical care for Arkansas’ children, elderly, veterans, and poor; 

● Establish fair-market practices so that the ability to sell or grow cannabis is not limited to wealthy or well-connected businesses;

● Allow Arkansans to grow a limited amount of cannabis legally;

● Expunge the sentences of those incarcerated for cannabis possession; and 

● Fund training for police and law enforcement professionals to refocus and retire cannabis prevention tactics.

 www.voteroy.com 

https://www.facebook.com/roy.p.vaughn

My name is Cortney McKee. I am the Democratic candidate for state senate district six. Medical marijuana has made a huge impact on patients in our state. We voted to approve it in 2016, and the GOP state legislature dragged their feet and gave preference to their friends when it came to permits for dispensaries. Years later the first patient walked into the first dispensary in Arkansas. 

I support adult recreational use of marijuana, but the legislation needs to be fair, and with the people in mind. There should not be a push to have cannabis monopolies insuring they don't have competitors. With no new competitors, they can continue to set the prices ridiculously high and have no need to increase the quality of their cannabis. New legislation should expunge criminal marijuana convictions and give them an opportunity to work in the business. 

When I am elected to the state senate, I will work hard to find legislators on both sides of the aisle to quickly implement new beneficial policies. I will not corrupt or try and prevent the will of the people on the issue of cannabis.

https://cortneymckee.wixsite.com/arsenate

https://www.facebook.com/CortneyMcKeeforArkansas

watch Cliff's video here:

https://youtu.be/8Jwsz3HaNJc 

https://www.cliffhartforstatesenate.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/673475923625299

My name is Nick Cartwright and I am the Democrat running for Arkansas State Senate District 18. Marijuana legalization is an issue that I have spoken out on and been an advocate for as a private citizen, and now as a candidate for state senate. It is not only the right and just thing to do, but the popular one as well. The support for legalization in our state is there. Arkansas voters handily approved medical marijuana at the ballot box in 2016 and support has continued to grow. While I absolutely support medical marijuana, I think that the way it is set up in Arkansas currently only benefits a handful of families and companies while most Arkansans are left out of its benefits. That is why I am in favor of complete legalization of recreational marijuana for adults regarding use, possession, and home-cultivation. We should also release anyone in prison for marijuana-related charges plus completely expunge the records of anyone convicted of these crimes in the past. For far too long, marijuana has been used to demonize and criminalize communities - especially black and brown communities - and we must take action to ensure this does not continue. These communities should be the first to receive investments from the revenue generated by legal marijuana, and we should ensure they have a better chance to own the businesses profiting from it. It would also have an enormous boost to Arkansas’s economy. As we have seen in other states, legalizing marijuana could open up hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in tax revenue that we could spend on investments in communities, schools, and families across the state. I want to be clear on one point though. I support legalizing marijuana when it benefits the low-income, working-class, rural, and communities of color in Arkansas - not the wealthy, corporations, or elite who currently benefit from every policy being ushered in by Arkansas Republicans. Legalizing marijuana should be a just, fair, and equitable process. We could use these revenues to ensure excellent public school funding, climate-focused infrastructure, affordable housing, and protecting our family farms. The possibilities are endless. Legalizing marijuana will have all kinds of other benefits as well. Instead of crowded prisons and overworked police, we can work on bettering our communities. Instead of barriers to help, tens-of-thousands of Arkansans will have the freedom to better their health. And instead of the ugly stigma being placed around marijuana, Arkansans can enjoy a recreational activity that is comparable to drinking alcohol. The time is now to support candidates and causes who want to see a fair and equitable way to legalize marijuana to benefit all Arkansans. I am proud to be one of those candidates 

https://cartwrightforarkansas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/nickcartwrightforarkansas

Derek has worked as a private citizen to promote marijuana reform. he has proven that he will work for reform if elected.

The tax revenue from legalization could be allocated back into the healthcare and education system (one of many options).  Not only does Arkansas have an underfunded education system, but it’s also one of the poorest states. By legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana with full expungement of previous marijuana crimes we can address multiple issues at once for decades to come. I hope Arkansas politicians and regulators can work together to lead the charge in the nation and certainly in the South at turning this cash crop loose and setting the standard for legislation that stimulates the economy from the bottom up by empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs.
https://huberforsenate.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HuberforSenate

There are so many good treatises on the issue of legalizing cannabis, that I will have no pretense of presenting one better. It is important as a candidate for the Arkansas State Senate to take a stand and provide the reasoning for their position. On that note, I would be quick to denigrate any candidate that states they have a position and then fails to explain the why or how because this is both a case of laziness and often, simply done to join a bandwagon that appears useful to their campaign. Support for legalization of cannabis, and hemp, has many aspects that can be discussed at length. To spare the reader I will be somewhat brief while addressing some key points. ● Personal Freedom. We enjoy many freedoms in this country knowing in a responsible way that our actions may impact others, such as driving a car on a public roadway. This is evidenced by the tens of thousands of people who are killed every year. Accordingly we have created laws along with mechanical devices that have reduced the dangers of driving - BUT WE HAVE NOT TOTALLY OUTLAWED THE PERSONAL USE OF VEHICLES. The literature I’ve read indicates that a lethal overdose of cannabis is extremely rare and the few cases cited are associated with other contributory factors. So the point is the danger of cannabis use, as it has been overblown for decades, simply does not rise to the level of danger we find in other activities that are less regulated, if at all. Exposure to sunlight without proper sunscreen could be regulated on the premise that this is for the protection of the individual, after all 2 people die every hour in the U.S. due to skin cancer, but we are not about to incarcerate citizens for going out in the sun without applying their SPF-50 first are we? Ironically, one who reads on this subject will find that the liquor industry is a primary culprit in the vilification that led to cannabis prohibition. ● The history of cannabis prohibition is nearly a century-long study in promulgating misinformation by power elites that were very successful in brainwashing much of the American public. Some of this effort has been laughable, such as the film “Reefer Madness” but most has had serious consequences for citizens who have found no relief in alternative medical prescription drugs for their ailments. Many of the allowed prescription pharmaceuticals have proven to be extremely addictive and even lethal. The obvious development of a black market trade in cannabis caused by the prohibition has introduced an unregulated product that can be dangerous. For example the sale of a crop that had been sprayed with paraquat just prior to harvesting. ● A longterm human danger of cannabis prohibition is primarily with the legal system that has ruined people’s lives for what we can describe as a “victimless crime”. For several reasons one can point to the prohibition of cannabis has actually harmed and even ended more people’s lives than if the prohibition had never been created. Fatalities that occurred during a shootout with law enforcement during a “drugbust”, or inmates who died from Covid-19 due to exposure while serving a sentence for a misdemeanor charge of possession, are so needless. Even if one survives these challenges of the legal system and is released to rejoin society, under the present law in most states, they carry a permanent record of their incarceration that follows them for life and limits job opportunities and is used by the courts in later cases to impose stiffer penalties. While serving in the State Senate, I would argue for legalization of cannabis for the reasons stated above, but also for the economic benefit to the state. In a simplified comparison with Colorado where $300 million was collected in taxes in a state with twice the population of Arkansas, then $150 million can conceivably be collected. The immediate economic boon is not limited to tax revenues but also to the industry that includes the growers, the distributors and especially the patients. There are other economic benefits, such as reducing the state’s inmate population for those being held on possession charges, reduced workload by the legal system to pursue cannabis-related offenders. Lastly, regarding the justice system, all the criminal records of cannabis-offenders need to be thoroughly expunged. And we haven’t even begun to discuss hemp. The industrial applications and economic power of hemp use will be enormous and too numerous to detail here. As an agricultural powerhouse, Arkansas is very capable of becoming a major supplier of hemp and hemp products. Many of these products have proven superior as alternatives to conventional building materials and many consumable products that have environmental impact. To avoid opening up businesses to these opportunities would be short-sided and due to disinformation bias. 

https://www.wallacestatesenator.com/  https://www.facebook.com/Wallace4StateSenate

https://www.quintessahathaway.com/

https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.quintessa

   The abolishment of The Controlled Substances Act, releases of non violent drug offenders, and "home grow rights" advocacy are key parts of my campaign platform.

 https://www.facebook.com/michael.kalagias

https://www.gregorymaxwellforuscongress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MaxwellforCongress

https://www.jamesforarkansas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JamesForArkansas