Circuit Judge Chip Welch struck down 27 legislative changes to the state medical marijuana amendment last week. State Attorney General Tim Griffin quickly announced plans to appeal, but two lawyers say the ruling isn’t yet appealable.
David Couch
Posted inArkansas Blog
More traps set for ballot measures, bill would require a license to gather signatures
State Rep. David Ray (R-Maumelle) filed a bill Friday that would require paid canvassers to obtain a license from the state and undergo a training program organized by the secretary of state.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Lawmakers’ bid to limit power of the people is unconstitutional, new suit says
Little Rock attorney David Couch filed a lawsuit today, asking a Pulaski County court to declare unconstitutional a law that makes it harder to place initiatives on the ballot. Sen. Bryan King and the League of Women Voters of Arkansas are the plaintiffs in the case against Secretary of State John Thurston.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Newport settles case over marijuana cultivator’s relocation
The settlement brings an end to a lawsuit filed after a cultivation facility moved from Newport to Pine Bluff. The Newport Economic Development Commission will get more than $2.5 million and property it had sold as part of an economic development package.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Washington County group fails to put jail expansion referendum on ballot, vows to fight on
The group opposes the Washington County Quorum Court’s attempt to expand the detention center with federal funding after voters rejected jail expansion projects at the polls in November.
Posted inCannabiz
Republican senator files bill to place recreational marijuana on 2024 ballot
The amendment would allow for adult use and home grow.
Posted inArkansas Blog
Marijuana for more: State could add more qualifying conditions but insiders say it’s unlikely
After a bid to pass recreational marijuana failed at the polls in November, attention could turn to adding new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, but insiders say the process is difficult and success is unlikely.
Posted inCannabiz
A marijuana post-mortem with David Couch
We caught up with Couch to get his thoughts on the election, why he thinks the amendment failed and the prospects for a recreational marijuana amendment in the future.
Posted inArkansas Blog
8th Circuit may offer hope to ease ballot petition restrictions
Appeals court may have opened door to challenge of Arkansas law on petition canvassers.
Posted inArkansas Blog
A voter’s guide to Arkansas’s recreational marijuana amendment
For those in favor of legalizing marijuana but wary of the specifics of Issue 4, the risk of waiting for a better proposal is too great.