Results: Arkansas rejects marijuana legalization that included a measure that would give stipends to law enforcement

• Voters in Arkansas rejected Issue 4, which would have legalized marijuana and given stipends to law enforcement.
• Proponents said that the measure is a step in the right direction.

Voters in Arkansas rejected the use of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. Over half of voters said "no" on Issue 4, which, if passed, would have legalized marijuana use and given a percentage of proceeds to law enforcement officers.

Ballot measure details

Issue 4 would have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults over the age of 21 in the state of Arkansas.

The measure would have also established a 10% sales tax for marijuana and 15% percent of the tax revenue would have been allotted toward an annual law enforcement stipend.

Support and opposition

Responsible Growth Arkansas sponsored the measure. Supporters argued the measure is a step forward in the right direction. Gubernatorial nominee Chris Jones called Issue 4 a "good first step toward Arkansas embracing a pragmatic cannabis policy," according to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Safe and Secure Communities sponsored the opposition campaign against the measure.

Arkansas's Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson argued at the Arkansas Municipal Police Association Convention in August that supporters are "going to sell this as something that's going to help law enforcement. And so, once again, they're selling a harmful drug to the citizens of Arkansas based upon promises that looks good."