potshot.jpg

The Arkansas Baptist State Convention has sent an e-mail to people on its list urging a vote against the medical marijuana initiative.

It’s a somewhat calmer recitation of reasons to oppose the initiative than the racially charged TV ad rolled out by the Family Council yesterday with the help of a Little Rock ad agency. It is also more factual. It acknowledges, for example, that approval by a physician is necessary for obtaining medical marijuana for specified illnesses, but argues that this is not the same thing as a prescription for scheduled drugs.

Advertisement

I wouldn’t necessarily agree with the Baptist Convention that it’s a moral issue, unless you believe prescription pain relievers are a moral issue, too. I’d also argue with the Baptists’ dismissal of “intractable, chronic pain” as a justification for a marijuana certificate. The Baptist Convention says this condition cannot be “verified” by a doctor. By that logic, painkillers should be outlawed, too, as treatment for “unverifiable” pain.

Nonetheless, the e-mail is a shape of the campaign that will be waged against Arkansans for Compassionate Care.

Advertisement

The full e-mail follows:

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Seven bulldogs burned in West Pulaski arson Next article Yes, please. Curtis Coleman the Republican nominee for governor in 2014