Hutchinson reiterates opposition to recreational marijuana amendment

The science is clear. Recreational marijuana leads to increased drug use among minors & more dangerous roadways. This November, I’m voting NO on Issue 4 to legalize recreational marijuana in Arkansas & I hope you’ll join me. 

Hutchinson linked to Safe and Secure Communities, a ballot question committee formed last month and funded solely by a $250,000 from Little Rock chicken magnate Ron Cameron. 

The committee intervened in the Supreme Court lawsuit and filed a brief that argued the ballot title was misleading and omitted information. The brief said the ballot title omitted information about the elimination of the 10mg THC maximum for edibles, falsely suggested adults 18 to 20 years old would be allowed to buy recreational marijuana and misled voters about changes to restrictions on advertising to children. 

The announcement by Hutchinson follows his speech to the Arkansas Municipal Police Association last month when he said they should “stand firm” in their opposition to the amendment, according to a report from the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record. 

The amendment would dedicate a portion of tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales to fund a stipend for certified law enforcement officers. Hutchinson told the group that the amendment’s supporters would promote it as something that would help law enforcement but that it was actually a “harmful drug” and that the group should be ready to debate the issue. 

Responsible Growth Arkansas, the industry-backed group sponsoring the amendment, released its first TV ad last month. The ad focused on the 15% of recreational marijuana tax revenue that will go to law enforcement. 

The ad said a vote for the issue was “a vote for law enforcement.” 

Hutchinson’s association with Cameron dates back to at least 1996, according to campaign donation data on opensecrets.com. 

Cameron, CEO of chicken producer Mountaire, donated $2,000 to Hutchinson’s congressional bid in 1996 and to other Hutchinson campaigns. Cameron donated $10,800 to Hutchinson’s gubernatorial re-election campaign in 2017 through four $2,700 donations.