Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A - Medical Marijuana Amendment (Yes/No)

Summary

This constitutional amendment is proposed as a legislative alternative measure to Initiative Measure No. 65 and would establish a program to allow the medical use of marijuana products by qualified persons with debilitating medical conditions.

A “YES” vote on Alternative 65A is a vote in support of an amended version of Initiative 65 that limits the smoking medical marijuana to terminally ill patients while leaving the scope of permitted medical conditions, and applicable taxes to be decided by the General Assembly. Note: A vote in favor of Alternative 65A is a vote declaring that you prefer Alternative 65A over Initiative 65.

A “NO” vote on Alternative 65A means you prefer Initiative 65.

Arguments

Of the citizen-sponsored initiative, Lamar said, “This is not a simple medical marijuana program. It is designed to flood the market with marijuana that will lead to the state having recreational marijuana.”Lamar’s alternative proposal would place more restrictions on the use of marijuana, he said., in support of Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A (Learn more)

“65A would give people who are in favor of medical marijuana a responsible pathway for accessing it,” said Ford, a Republican from Madison., in support of Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A (Learn more)

"If you want to support the concept, vote against Initiative 65 and vote for the alternative 65A. At least with the alternative 65A you retain a voice through the legislative process and the ballot box.", in support of Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A (Learn more)

"\[Alternative 65A] is designed to confuse voters by placing a similar initiative on November's ballot to dilute the vote to legalize medical marijuana. ... The sole intention of HCR 39 is to mislead and confuse voters and kill a measure for which the majority of Mississippians are in favor.", in opposition to Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A (Learn more)

In Grantham's opinion, it was an "attempt to confuse voters and deny them a fair up or down vote.” “The language of Alternative 65A is inadequate and fails to include basic components necessary to establish a medical marijuana program that will help patients – it does not specify any framework for a functioning medical marijuana program, a timeline for implementation, a specific list of qualifying medical conditions, nor does it even provide constitutional protections for patients, caregivers, or doctors,” Grantham said Monday., in opposition to Statewide Ballot Measure 1 - Alternative 65A (Learn more)

Measure Details