Arkansans for Compassionate Care

Ask your Arkansas Legislator to Vote No on Senate Bill 821 Arkansas—with Amendment 7 of the state constitution—empowers its citizens to realize their First Amendment “right-to-petition.” By collecting the signatures of enough registered voters, Arkansans can put either a statute or Constitutional Amendment—approved by the Attorney General—in front of the entire electorate for a vote. This is a democratic privilege that many Americans do not enjoy—only 23 other states have this right! Unfortunately Amendment 7 has come under threat in [...]

We are pleased to announce our Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act Conference, sponsored by the Arkansas Chapter of Americans for Safe Access. The conference will be held on Saturday, January 26th from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock located at 800 South Scott. Registration cost is $15.00.  To register please fill out and mail in the attached PDF or alternatively you can register via PayPal by clicking the logo below: DOWNLOAD: Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act Conference Mail-in [...]

The listed endorsing physicians signed statements of support containing the following language: Licensed medical practitioners should not be punished for recommending the medical use of marijuana to seriously ill people, and seriously ill people should not be subject to criminal sanctions for using marijuana if the patients’ medical professionals have told them that such use is likely to be beneficial. Gordon Akin, Internal | Paragould Michael Anreder, Pathology | El Dorado Susan Balke | Mariana Norma Basinger, GYN/Phlebology | Fort [...]

As a medical professional, I am paying close attention to the debate in the state over Issue 5, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act. While I appreciate the concerns that some residents have, I deeply believe that the initiative should be adopted in order to allow seriously ill patients to alleviate their suffering.

At its core, Issue 5 is about compassion. It is about allowing patients to obtain relief from the use of marijuana when other available drugs have not helped and where their doctors believe that marijuana would be an effective alternative.

If you are like most other Arkansans, it is likely that you know someone or have heard about someone who has used marijuana to alleviate nausea during chemotherapy treatments. Emily Williams, wife of Fayetteville City Attorney Kit Williams, is one prominent example currently, as she is appearing in television ads for Issue 5.

I am a 40-year old Eagle Scout, Nurse (RN, BSN), Husband, Father & ex-officer in the Navy and Army Reserve. I have been in the medical field over 22 years. I also have Crohn’s Disease. I’ve been on many prescription medications to help with my disease. Many gave me even more problems—bone degeneration, pain, muscle spasms, decreased immune system, slower healing, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, eye problems, intestinal bleeding and emotional issues (anger/rage, depression, anxiety and stress). In 2009, I had [...]