A dozen more, counting Arkansas, are pondering the question. The state medical marijuana laws are functioning despite federal opposition, Campbell said. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act provides for the state Health Department to license people whose physicians have prescribed medical marijuana. The patient or the patient's primary caregiver would be authorized to grow marijuana. Patient, physician and primary caregiver would be protected from criminal prosecution.
Opponents argue that medical marijuana is a step toward general legalization.
Campbell is a piano tuner by trade. She said her family had lived in what is now Northwest Arkansas since before statehood. The Department is keeping abreast of the issue, he said. The ADH wishes to point out that Marinol, a derivative of marijuana and the principal cannabinoid contained in marijuana smoke, is approved for use by the FDA and is available for Arkansas physicians to prescribe for their patients. Campbell said there are many problems with Marinol.