LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court says it won't hear oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging a ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana.
Justices on Thursday denied the request for oral arguments in the lawsuit filed by a coalition of conservative groups challenging the proposed initiated act. Both sides filed briefs Wednesday with the court on the case.
The measure would allow patients with qualifying conditions to buy marijuana from nonprofit dispensaries with a doctor's recommendation. The proposal acknowledges that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Opponents say it's not clear to voters that users could face federal prosecution.
Arkansas is the first Southern state to ask its voters to approve legalizing medical marijuana. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have legalized it in some fashion.
