{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/vote/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2223-markdown","title":"Why I am voting NO on Prop 64","slug":"why-i-am-voting-no-on-prop-64","content":"Prop 64 sounds great, right? Let’s legalize marijuana for everyone. \r\n\r\nI have been advocating this position my entire life. The drug war has been a miserable failure and has cost our society billions of dollars, ruined countless lives through incarceration and violence, and created an entire criminal underworld built on the lucrative commerce of illegal drugs. \r\n\r\nOn the other hand, a legal drug market - not just cannabis, but all drugs - would destroy the cartels, improve the quality of drugs used by addicts (and thus the safety of the same) and generate tax revenues that could be put to good social projects (like schools). At the end of the day, I believe that people that want to use drugs will do so, regardless of their legal status. Better to let them do so under safer conditions, with education rather than creating criminal addicts and everything else we see happening with this misguided drug war.\r\n\r\nBefore we talk about change, and get mired down into the complexities of legislative language, let’s take a moment to reflect on how things stand now for the lucky people of California.\r\n\r\n### California Under Proposition 215 \r\n\r\nSince 1996 California has been operating under the rules of Proposition 215, a system that continues to thrive.\r\n\r\n•\tMarijuana is readily and widely available at affordable prices. San Francisco alone has more than 100 dispensaries. They are on almost every block. Additionally, you can get product delivered right to your door within an hour, or sent by courier statewide within a day of your purchase. Those are Amazon-like service levels. \r\n\r\n•\tFarmers and others are able to grow, distribute and generate profits without significant risk (despite the Schedule 1 classification, meaning that regardless of state law, cannabis remains illegal as far as the federal government is concerned). Occasionally they may be visited by law enforcement, but my understanding is that this is almost always the result of a complaint by neighbors due to some obnoxious condition on the grower’s property. \r\n\r\n•\tEntrepreneurs of every description are entering the market, creating innovative new products and marketing them openly through dispensaries, at trade shows, events and online. Those with good business skills are outshining their competitors with better service, quality products, marketing and education. Cannabis is one of the most innovative and fastest growing industries around, and its creating employment for thousands. \r\n\r\n•\tPatients can easily connect with doctors that are open-minded about the use of cannabis for most medical issues. Becoming a legal medical marijuana patient costs around $49 (per year) from HelloMD and others, and includes the advice of a doctor on the use of cannabis for your health & wellness. There is no need to register your information with the state, your health insurance company or your employer. Your information is confidential and protected by HIPAA laws.\r\n\r\n\r\nSo why would I vote no on 64? Let’s take a look at the Proposition.\r\n\r\nIf you wanted to legalize recreational marijuana, you could do it with legislation of a few pages. The first hint of a more muscular agenda afoot is the length of the [actual proposition]( https://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/15-0103%20%28Marijuana%29_1.pdf?). Over 60 pages of legalese. What could they possibly find to write about? As it turns out, quite a lot. \r\n\r\nIn the words of the actual Proposition: “The purpose of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act is to establish a comprehensive system to legalize, control and regulate the cultivation, processing, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of non-medical marijuana, including marijuana products, for use by adults 21 years and older, and to tax the commercial growth and retail sale of marijuana.”\r\n\r\nSo not really to ‘Legalize marijuana for recreational use” as most people think Prop 64 is all about.\r\n\r\n### What’s Wrong with Prop 64?\r\n\r\nRather than go through the entire bill and its intent, I am going to highlight the parts that I find most problematic.\r\n\r\n#### Excessive Taxes\r\n \r\nProp 64 imposes a cultivation tax of $9.25 per ounce for flowers, and $2.75 for leaves, along with a 15% tax on the retail price. Moreover, local municipalities are left free to impose their own taxes as well. So if you want to sell marijuana in your local town, they will determine what taxes you need to charge on top of the state tax, which might just eliminate your market. \r\n\r\nWhat will the additional new tax burden be to consumers? It’s hard to tell without the local tax rate information, but I think it’s likely to be at least 29%, which will drive up the price to consumers considerably. Don’t forget that a black market also exists today, and so excessive taxation can have the effect of just perpetuating the existing (untaxed) illegal market. \r\n\r\nHow much of this revenue (estimated to be up to $1 billion annually) would be allocated to public schools and other worthy projects? None of it at all. Instead it goes into a special fund created by Prop 64 itself, the California Marijuana Tax Fund, where much of the money has already been allocated to various interests including the apparatus of managing the industry itself.    \r\n\r\n#### Three Tier Distribution\r\n\r\nProp 64 mandates that all distribution of cannabis from growers to retailers, will now have to pass through the hands of third party (licensed) distributors. [Big alcohol distributors](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/08/marijuana-legalization-big-business-alcohol-214198) are already muscling into these incredibly lucrative positions, potentially further driving up the costs by as [much as 30%]( http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/08/marijuana-legalization-big-business-alcohol-214198).\r\n\r\nThis is a big change to the current system. Today if you are a grower, or an edibles manufacturer, you can choose to do business with a distributor, or you can choose to go directly to the retailer yourself. Many deal direct, because they have relationships, like to control their own delivery of product and feel it’s a competitive advantage to their business. Why should the government take this business decision out of the hands of the entrepreneurs?  \r\n\r\nMoreover, these new distributors are going to be in very powerful positions (since they cannot be avoided). They will mark up the cost of product, make a profit of their own and control where and how all cannabis products are distributed. This is the very definition of what is known as ‘big business’ and the end result is never good for consumers, or small business owners. I personally think that markets function best with less government interference.\r\n\r\n#### Destruction of the Existing Medical System\r\n\r\nFor the past 20 years, being a medical marijuana patient in California has been very straightforward. An annual doctor’s consultation was all it took. No need to register with the state, no need for your medical insurance rates to rise, or your employer to find out or discriminate against you because of your choice to medicate. With the introduction of [Telehealth services like HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/), this has become even more convenient. That annual doctor’s consult now happens from the privacy of your home, at a time of your choosing.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [ABOUT PROP 64 - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/about-prop-64-what-you-should-know)\r\n\r\nNot so under Prop 64. Now (if you want to remain a medical cannabis consumer) you will need to register with the state, and (in addition to what you pay your doctor) you will have to pay a $100 state fee. For many, this state registration is problematic in that there is no guarantee that your insurance company or your employer won’t find out about your medicating. Let’s also not forget that you are still committing a federal crime, and so if you work in government or think you might in the future, or you are worried about your citizenship or any other involvement or dealing with the federal government, state registration is really an issue that is going to prevent you from getting a medical card.   \r\n\r\nLet’s not forget too that the DEA is a federal agency. The FEDS have stated their intention not to interfere too much with those in compliance with their state laws, although there is nothing stopping them from doing so. Right now, Californian’s using cannabis have the protection of the medical system on their side. IE: they have doctors that have specifically authorized them to use cannabis for their health, and the protection of Prop 215, passed by the people of California on their side. Under Prop 64, for those that are considered recreational users, there is no such protection from the Feds, moral, medical or otherwise. The federal government is still trying to get its head around the idea of medical marijuana. Recreational cannabis put Californians further out of alignment with where federal policy is today. \r\n\r\nFor those of us that believe in the medical benefits this plant has to offer society, it’s important for the continued progression of the industry from the shadows of stigma, that a strong medical / health & wellness orientation is maintained. If medical cannabis is overwhelmed in the state of California by the momentum of the recreational market, we may never see the adoption of the plant by tens of millions of Americans that do not want to be associated with recreational use, but may benefit in using cannabis for their health & wellness. I am thinking of the 110m Americans with chronic pain, the 60 million that suffer from insomnia, the 76 million with migraines (the list goes on and on). For these everyday Americans to enter the market, they need to see it as an acceptable, mainstream solution to their medical concerns, without the negative association of recreational use and all that it entails. \r\n  \r\n#### Legislators Ability to Interfere\r\n\r\nDo you think you will get what you are voting for? Prop 64 includes a rare provision allowing the legislative body to make alterations to the law after it gets passed. Unlike Prop 215 which can only be changed with another voter approved measure, Prop 64 can have key elements changed by the legislature with a simple majority vote on the sections pertaining to Medical and Adult Use, and just about anything at all can be changed by a two thirds vote of the legislature. This includes tax rates, taxes on medical, the intrusion of big business in the industry, or your rights to grow plants at home.\r\n\r\nIf you think this is unlikely, consider what happened in the state of Washington. Just six months after the first recreational stores opened in Washington, the legislature introduced a measure to end the states 15-year-old medical marijuana program, [close all medical dispensaries](http://weedrush.news21.com/washington-merges-recreational-and-medical-marijuana-to-stop-illegal-sales/) and dramatically limit how much patients could grow at home. This was a deliberate move to force medical patients into the heavily taxed recreational system, where they face a whopping [37% tax on their medication](http://www.thecannabist.co/2015/07/01/washington-state-pot-law-overhaul-marijuana-tax-reset-at-37-percent/37238/), on top of the already inflated price of cannabis. Compare that sorry situation with how things currently look in California under Proposition 215!\r\n\r\n### Are My Concerns Warranted?\r\n\r\nI am not the type of person to worry excessively. I will be the first to admit that a lot of what I have written above pertains to what ‘might happen’ as opposed to what ‘will happen’. Ultimately, a lot of the consequences will be determined by the people and companies involved as the market evolves. These are for the most part at this time, simply unknown.\r\n\r\nThat said, we should not take our rights to use, purchase, grow and possess cannabis as medical patients for granted. The system in place under 215 has served Californian’s very well indeed, and continues to do so today. I personally feel no restriction to access to under the current system, and I am pleased to have the advice and oversight of my doctor in my choice to medicate. Medical cannabis is currently in place in California, is not a broken system and helps people every day. Do we really need to replace it?\r\n\r\nProposition 64 at best introduces a lot of change and uncertainty, and at worst could practically destroy the medical system in California as we know it. With the Feds refusing to reschedule marijuana for the time being, I believe that California would do better to continue with the medical system created by Prop 215 firmly in place, irreplaceable other than through a voter approved initiative. \r\n\r\nWe have a lot on the line here. Let’s not screw this up. \r\n\r\nJoin me in voting NO on Prop 64.\r\n\r\n(Whether you agree or disagree - post a comment below and let me know why)\r\n \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/14b42/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/f836f/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/2244e/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 400w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/14b42/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 800w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/47498/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 1200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/54ac5/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/58556/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/61e93/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/1f5c5/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 400w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/58556/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 800w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/99238/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 1200w,\n/static/aba1debc3397d6275619f4652ac72bd9/5e0b8/cabf9966e0b8574c8c193f6b7beac913.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2102-markdown","title":"California Marijuana Legalization: Prop 64","slug":"california-marijuana-legalization-prop-64","content":"In this post, our CEO, [Mark Hadfield](https://www.hellomd.com/people/mark) talks about the impending cannabis legalization vote in November. Will cannabis go legal, and if so, what are the ramifications? Will you need a medical recommendation after the vote? What will happen with taxation? As a true cannabis industry insider, Mark gives his insights on the state of cannabis legalization and where we might find ourselves post November ballot on Prop 64.\r\n\r\n### The Vote is Coming...\r\n\r\nOne thing we hear a lot about, is the impending vote for legal recreational cannabis in California, now on the ballot for 8th November, 2016. This legislation – known as [Prop. 64]( https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_64,_Marijuana_Legalization_(2016)) (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) – would enable any adult over the age of 21, to legally purchase cannabis without a doctor’s recommendation, along with certain tax provisions as well as enacting some restraints on monopoly type business interests.\r\n\r\n### Will Prop 64 Pass?\r\n\r\nThe Yes side is very well funded with over $11m raised as at September 1st, 2016. The opposition has raised just $200,000. At time of writing [60% of Californian’s]( http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/survey/S_516MBS.pdf) support the legalization of recreational marijuana with just 37% against. It’s not guaranteed, but it looks very likely to pass in November.\r\n\r\n### What does Prop 64. Mean to You?\r\n\r\nThere is a misconception that after the November vote, one should just be able to walk into a dispensary and make a purchase (without a doctors note). The truth is that implementing Prop. 64 will be a complex and lengthy process that for the most part, has not yet even been planned for. Regulators have not started the planning, because they don’t know what will be in the final legislation, should it pass. With a state the size of California, along with the various business and lobbying interests fighting for their piece of the pie, the reality is that it will take at least twelve months and perhaps longer before the first legal recreational outlets are available. A good working estimate from most we have talked with, is not before January 2018.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, you will continue to be able to purchase your cannabis, so long as you are a qualifying medical patient with a valid doctor’s recommendation.\r\n\r\n### Tax Incentives to Maintain your Medical Status\r\n\r\nOne of the reasons lawmakers are interested in recreational cannabis, is because of the opportunity to tax sales, and thus increase budgets for needy projects. Prop. 64 outlines a 15% sales tax, as well as a $9.25 per ounce on growers for flowers, and $2.75 per ounce of leaves. Additional costs may arise through the enforced three tier distribution model, as well as additional taxes which may be levied by local government bodies. All of this could increase the price of recreational marijuana by as much as 30% or more to the consumer, while for the most part medical consumers are largely exempted from taxes (while still may be impacted by other market forces).\r\n\r\nStudies show the that regular users can spend up to $1,800 per year on cannabis today (which could increase by $540 in taxes and fees), or simply reduce the amount that a person could afford. With the price of an annual doctor’s recommendation around $50, there appears to be a strong financial incentive to maintain your medical status, should you have one.  Indeed, this has been the case in Colorado where more than two years since recreational marijuana was implemented, around 40% of people still maintain their medical patient status (where effective taxes are between [15% and 25%]( https://www.brookings.edu/research/qa-legal-marijuana-in-colorado-and-washington)). \r\n\r\n### Product Selection (Med vs Rec)\r\n\r\nLooking again to Colorado for guidance on what might happen in California after the vote, one thing many don’t realize is that you have access to different products (and advice) when you are a medical patient vs a recreational user.\r\n\r\nWhen visiting a dispensary in Colorado, you are immediately asked at the door upon entry whether you are a medical, or a recreational user IE: are you a holder of a medical card? If the answer is yes, you are allowed entry to the ‘medical section’ of the store, where a greater product selection, and one more medically targeted is available to you. Additionally, the advice offered on product selection may be different for medical users.\r\n\r\nRecreational users have to enter through to the recreational side where products tend to be less strong and less varied in terms of consumption methods or options for CBD heavy products, and advice which is more tailored towards recreational users.   \r\n\r\n\r\n### What Defines a Medical Patient?\r\n\r\nUnder the law in California, a medical marijuana patient is one who has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, whereby the therapeutic use of cannabis is recommended by a doctor with a license in good standing with the medical board. \r\n\r\nBeyond the legal definition however, things become a little less clear. If I have a medical recommendation for a qualifying condition that comes and goes, but I like to use cannabis on a Friday night to relieve stress and help me sleep, am I am medical user, or a recreational one?\r\n\r\nWhat if I use cannabis instead of wine when people come over for dinner (because I want to reduce my sugar intake) or I simply want to drink less alcohol. Is this recreational or medical? What if the reason I want to reduce my sugar intake, is because I am overweight? What if it’s because am diabetic? Is this medical?\r\n\r\n### To Conclude\r\n\r\nAt HelloMD, we believe that millions of people could (and will) benefit from the therapeutic use of cannabis for their health & wellness. With 110 million Americans suffering with chronic pain alone, this number could far exceed the number of people who are clearly recreational users. Think about health concerns related to PMS, pre-menopausal symptoms, migraines, anxiety, insomnia; the list goes on and on. \r\n\r\nIf you are someone who identifies with one of the examples given above, you may well value continued access to quality medical advice from a licensed doctor, an excellent medically focused product selection, and lower prices for your medications, regardless of what the law allows after the November vote (and whatever time it take to get implemented) thereafter.   \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.408450704225352,"src":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/422ae/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png","srcSet":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/69585/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 200w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/497c6/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 400w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/422ae/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.png 669w","srcWebp":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/87da1/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/61e93/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 200w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/1f5c5/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 400w,\n/static/cfbbad516f819a7510febebb4459f498/87da1/bd7a0c49840422d70034c1e938ba5ed6.webp 669w","sizes":"(max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2116-markdown","title":"Ten States to Vote on Legalization in November ","slug":"ten-states-to-vote-on-legalization-in-november","content":"Marijuana legalization is a hot topic across the country and ten different states have cannabis related bills on their ballots this coming November. Five states have recreational cannabis legalization on the agenda and five more have medical marijuana going up for a vote. Four of the states up for recreational legalization have “regulate marijuana like alcohol” campaigns, which proved successful in achieving recreational legalization in Colorado.  The most politically decisive vote could possibly be recreational cannabis legalization in California. If California alone legalized recreational marijuana consumption, it would double the number of people who have access to recreational marijuana across the country. Here’s a preview on what’s on the ballot in three months. \r\n\r\n### California (Proposition 64) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nCalifornia was the first state to legalize medical marijuana nearly 20 years ago. Now, after failing to pass in 2010, recreational legalization is back up for a vote in the state. Proposition 64 would allow for people to possess one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants. The proposition also allows for gifting of up to a quarter ounce of marijuana to a person of legal age and includes stipulations for cannabis cafes. If the proposition is passed, it would prompt the creation of a new Bureau of Marijuana Control, which would take over for the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation that is currently in place in the state. The proposition includes a 15% sales tax, as well as a $9.25 per ounce cultivation tax at the wholesale level. In the spirit of California’s boutique marijuana growing industry, the proposition would only allow for “micro growers”, who grow under 10,000 square feet of product, to operate in the state until 2023 when “mega growers”, who have plots of more than a half acre indoors or an acre outdoors, would be allowed to open. The polls indicate that the vote will come out in favor of legalization.\r\n\r\n### Maine (Question 1) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nMaine’s Question 1 would allow for adults 21 and over to possess two and a half ounces of marijuana as well as six flowering and twelve immature plants. Question 1 also allows for the gifting of two and a half ounces of marijuana or six plants to other adults of legal consumption age. The regulation of the marijuana industry would fall under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Local governments would also have the option to approve or ban commercial marijuana sales within their county lines. Maine would collect a 10% retail tax on cannabis. The question, if passed, would also allow for cannabis cafes. In preliminary polls 53% of Maine voters are in favor of legalization, but it will be a very close race to call. \r\n\r\n### Arizona (Proposition 205) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nProposition 205 would allow people 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, as well as six plants. It would also create a state agency that would oversee and regulate the new state industry. The proposition would also limit the number of dispensaries to one tenth of the number of liquor stores in the state, leaving room for fewer than 180 dispensaries total. Arizona would collect a 15% tax on marijuana products, 80% of which would go towards schools and the other 20% to substance abuse education programs. Arizona's strict drug laws, however, would remain in place. Currently if there is any presence of marijuana metabolites, even if inactive, a person is theoretically driving under the influence. Also, possessing 28 g of marijuana would be legal, but possessing 29 g would still be considered a felony. Current polls indicate that legalization may not be likely this coming November in Arizona. \r\n\r\n### Massachusetts (Question 4) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nQuestion 4 would allow for adults over 21 to possess one ounce of marijuana in public and ten ounces at home. If recreational marijuana is legalized in Massachusetts there would also be the opportunity for cannabis cafes. Massachusetts would put a 3.75% tax on marijuana, coupled with the 6.25% sales tax already in place in the state. Localities can also ban marijuana sale, but if they choose to approve it they are able to add another 2% tax to marijuana products within their county or city lines. Massachusetts currently is a tight race, polls have fluctuated from in favor of to against legalization at various polling times. \r\n\r\n### Nevada (Question 2) - Rec. Legalization\r\n\r\nNevada, who recently got medical marijuana programs moving in the state, is looking into recreational marijuana as well. Question 2 would allow for people 21 and over to possess one ounce of marijuana and six plants, but only if they live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary. Nevada would also collect a 15% wholesale tax on marijuana. The polling in the state is encouraging, but legalization is not inevitable. \r\n\r\n### 5 States for Medical Legalization\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana legalization is up for approval in Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Montana, and North Dakota. Florida's medical marijuana legalization bill lost by the small margin of 2% in 2014, but the use of marijuana for debilitating medical conditions is back on the ballot in November. Missouri does not yet have a formal bill on their ballot, but the correct number of signatures has been collected and it is expected to be put on the ballot after the validation of signatures. Michigan is also waiting for the validation of signatures before a formal bill is put on the ballot for November. Montana is voting on an expansion of their current state approved program. Montana first approved medical marijuana in 2004, but the new bill will add to the list of conditions that qualify, repeal limits on the number of patients doctors can recommend, and end unannounced inspections of prescribing doctors. The North Dakota Compassionate Care Act is up for a vote in November as well. It would allow for patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer, AIDs, and epilepsy, to get medical marijuana from a dispensary or grow marijuana if they do not live within a 40 mile radius of a dispensary. Some other states are also in the process of collecting signatures to put medical marijuana legalization on the ballot this year.  These states include Arkansas, which has a few more weeks to collect signatures before their deadline. 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