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| by Jim Dee Sen. Riggs to sponsor bill Sen John Riggs, a Little Rock Democrat serving his second term in the Arkansas legislature, has announced his intention to introduce a bill that would legalize marijuana for medical use. Calling the proposed measure a "no brainer," Sen. Riggs stated that his legislative colleagues have voiced support for the reform. Since news of his support was announced, Sen. Riggs states he has received numerous supportive phone calls. He is actively working with the Alliance for Reform of Drug Policy in Arkansas, Inc., the sponsor of an initiated act for legalizing medical marijuana, in order to develop a bill that will be acceptable to all parties. ARDPArk spokesperson Denele Campbell stated that she and their board president Gene Remley have met with Sen. Riggs twice to discuss general strategies about building support. "We have a lot of work to do on this, but it seems very promising. Right now, we're asking our supporters to contact their state representatives and senators, asking them to work with Sen. Riggs on this. It is critical that our elected officials hear from constituents on this." Sen. Riggs has also stated that he plans to introduce a marijuana decriminalization bill that would reduce penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to a citation offense, similar to a traffic ticket. |