Pubdate: Tue, 06 Nov 2012
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock, AR)
Copyright: 2012 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
Contact: http://www2.arkansasonline.com/contact/voicesform/
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Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/25
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Author: Gavin Lesnick

VOTERS DIVIDED ON MEDICAL-MARIJUANA MEASURE

LITTLE ROCK - Voters at polling sites in the Little Rock area had
different takes on the ballot measure that would legalize the use and
sale of medical marijuana for patients with certain conditions.

Arkansans for Compassionate Care, the group that gathered signatures
to get the measure on the ballot, contends the drug helps patients
with some conditions cope with painful treatments and symptoms.
Opponents argue the legalization of medical marijuana will lead to
abuse.

Dena Nalley, 54, said she voted for the measure Tuesday morning at
Henderson United Methodist Church. She said she doesn't foresee
problems as long as the medical marijuana were regulated, adding that
she sees the benefits for people undergoing chemotherapy and other
painful treatments.

"They need it to help with their medications," Nalley
said.

Mark Mariner, a 50-year-old operator technician with a utility
company, said he voted against the medical marijuana proposal because
there are plenty of prescription pain medicines and marijuana is "just
another illegal drug they're trying to make legal."

He said it would almost certainly lead to abuse if
passed.

"I know it would," he said with a chuckle shortly after casting his
ballot at the church. "Look at alcohol. They made it legal, and look
at how much trouble we have with alcohol."

April Moore, a 37-year-old program administrator, said she believes
marijuana should be legal beyond just medicinal use. But, she said,
passing the medical provision wouldn't lead to that.

"Having it regulated and taxed would actually deter a lot of that,"
she said.

Jeri Jenkins, a 56-year-old medical secretary, said she doubted the
benefits from medical-marijuana use.

"It's just always been known as a drug substance," she said. "I don't
see how that can help anyone."
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MAP posted-by: Matt