Arkansas Court Blocks Medical Marijuana Vote Count

The Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled to block the counting of votes for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding the state's medical marijuana program, citing misleading language in the ballot title and popular name. The 4-3 decision highlighted that the amendment failed to clearly inform voters about its broader implications, including the legalization of possession of up to an ounce of marijuana if federal law changes. The court also noted the amendment would strip the state legislature of its ability to amend the existing 2016 medical marijuana law. Dissenting justices argued that the ruling deviated from established legal standards regarding ballot measures. Despite early voting already underway, the votes on this initiative will not be counted. The decision has sparked controversy, with supporters of the amendment expressing disappointment and accusing the court of letting politics override legal precedent.