State, local officials discuss dangers of recreational marijuana

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A small crowd gathered at Eastside Baptist Church in Mountain Home Tuesday night to hear officials from across the state discuss “danger of legalization of recreational marijuana.”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appeared via video, as well as Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Gregory H. Bledsoe and 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge, who discusses the purpose of the meeting.
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The prosecutor points out the concern is not casual users.


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Ethredge also explained Colorado had seen a significant increase in driving while impaired citations and accidents. He offers this advice for those who are concerned about, or oppose, recreational marijuana.


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One group opposing the petition drive is a portion of the medical marijuana community and Ethredge explains why.


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Proponents of recreational marijuana use began their push for a petition to get an initiative on the 2020 ballot in mid-2019. Ethredge says the true motivation behind recreational marijuana is simple, it’s about money.


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In September, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported petitions to get the measure on the ballot will require 89,151 signatures from registered Arkansas voters – a tenth of the number of voters in the last governor’s election.

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