Cannabis Activists Promote Legalization With New Ads In Arkansas Where Support Seems To Be Waning

Arkansas is one of five states where voters will decide on recreational marijuana next week. While overwhelming support for cannabis is evident nationwide, the sentiment seems to be changing among Arkansans.

The support was substantial initially. However, powerful opposition from the state's governor Asa Hutchinson, and conservative officials who attempt to convince voters to say 'NO' to a proposed ballot measure from Responsible Growth Arkansas is taking its toll. A recent survey revealed that support has dropped, with roughly 51% of those asked saying they support the cannabis measure.

New Ads Say It All

To fight the downward trend, activists have released a series of new ads promoting marijuana legalization just a week before Election Day, reported Marijuana Moment.

One of the ads, featuring a mother and her child, promotes the benefits of a regulated recreational market, such as youth prevention protections.

"Issue 4 will safely legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older, with protections for kids and teens. And Issue 4 will free up the police to focus on serious crime," the mother says. "Take it from a mom. Issue 4 is going to be good for Arkansas."

"21+ Just Like A Six Pack Of Beer," another of the new ads emphasizes the idea that cannabis, the same as alcohol, should be used responsibly.

"You can grab a six-pack for the game, but there are rules," the ad says. "You've gotta have an ID, you've gotta be 21. This election, Issue 4, would let adults 21 and up safely buy cannabis. It's the same deal was the six-pack sold safely to adults."

Other ads shed light on overcrowded jails due to arrests for non-violent drug offenses and the economic benefits of a recreational cannabis market, such as potential job creation.

Interestingly, Responsible Growth Arkansas recently launched a separate ad featuring police officers to educate voters on Issue 4.

However, Little Rock officials sent a cease-and-desist request to the group, asking them to take the ad down.

Cannabis activists refused to remove the ad, arguing that it did not display any insignia or logo that could be connected to the Little Rock Police Department.

Photo: Courtesy of Ramdlon, ganjaspliffstoreuk by Pixabay