Former Arkansas lawmaker pushes cannabis legalization in the state

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Arkansas is still trying to find a path toward cannabis legalization

Although he may not have the same power he used to, a former Arkansas legislator is making a huge effort to get the opportunity to decide on marijuana legalization on the 2022 statewide ballot. Eddie Armstrong, a Democrat who in the past adopted the role of minority leader in the state House of Representatives, is using his clout to chair the newly formed advocacy group Responsible Growth Arkansas.

The former legislator has always been known as a staunch supporter of legalization, and now, although he is no longer in the legislature, he is seeking to have the use of the plant allowed in the Wonder State through his campaign. His main goal is to make more room on next year’s ballot to include an initiative that “would allow the regulated sale of cannabis for adult use in the state,” according to a statement provided to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

While the secretary of state’s office has not yet received the text of the measure, Armstrong said in an interview that more detailed information will be shared in the coming weeks. “I expect to visit more as things come fully online,” he said.

This effort joins a separate group of Arkansas True Grass activists currently collecting signatures in order to implement a 2022 ballot initiative that would create a system of regulated sales for adults 21 and older. The measure would allow up to four ounces of cannabis to be purchased, and if desired, residents of legal age could also grow up to 12 plants for personal use. It seems that a good number of people want to see the state join the extensive list of states where marijuana is legal, and if efforts begin to see the light of day, it is possible that this could become a reality in a few years.