Democratic and Libertarian Arkansas Governor Candidates Indicate Support for Voter-Approved Legalization

Two of the Arkansas gubernatorial candidates have indicated they would support adult-use cannabis legalization in the state were it approved by voters, the Arkansas Advocate reports. During a debate during the Arkansas Press Association annual convention last month, Colt Shelby, who is running as a Libertarian, and Democratic candidate state Sen. Fred Love said they would back the reforms if voters approved them. 

“There’s a lot of good things that it brings, so I’m not going to say I’m against it, but let the people decide.” — Shelby via the Advocate 

Shelby added that he does not consume cannabis but almost everyone he knows does and acknowledged it has medical purposes.  

Love, said during the debate that he would not push the reforms because if elected because of the potential long-term impacts on children who grow up in communities where adult-use cannabis is legal. He added that “marijuana’s just all over” as children exit vehicles when he is dropping off his daughter at school. 

“I don’t think that it is something that I can support,” he said during the debate. 

Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders did not attend the June debate but told the Advocate that “Giving more access to drugs – particularly recreational access – does nothing to help or benefit Arkansans.” 

Sanders in 2023 signed a bill that protects the rights of registered medical cannabis patients and caregivers to obtain a concealed handgun permit, and last year supported legislation that uses medical cannabis revenue to fund free breakfasts for all public school students. 

Sanders also vetoed a bill last session that would have allowed dispensaries to complete orders via a drive-through window.