LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders vetoed HB1889, a highly controversial bill, on the closing session of the 95th General Assembly on Wednesday.
House Bill 1889 aimed to amend the limitations on access to a dispensary or cultivation facility. It would also authorize dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana through delivery vehicles or drive-through windows.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Aaron Pilkington (R) and Senator Joshua Bryant (R).
Gov. Sanders vetoed the bill, stating that it would “expand access to usable marijuana.”
The Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) made a statement regarding the failure of the bill, saying they’re “deeply disappointed” by the veto.
ACIA said HB1889 was intended to put patients first and provide safer, better service to those already participating in the program, especially “elderly, rural, immunocompromised and disabled Arkansans.”
“HB1889 actually strengthened oversight by allowing secure drive-through service, improving delivery efficiency, and enabling policymakers to better understand the industry through regulated visits,” Robert DeBin, president of the Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association, said. “These were common-sense improvements, not an expansion of cannabis.”
