The group is sponsoring an initiated act that would allow people with debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana as medicine. The law is similar to those passed in nine other states. Campbell said that winning would involve three key elements.  

"First, we have to meet two legal requirements to get this proposed law in front of the voters. One is to get 56,421 verified signatures. We know some people may mistakenly sign more than once, and some will make mistakes with the address or they won't be registered voters. So we've set 100,000 names as our goal. 

"The other legal criteria is to get 4% of the voters from each of 15 counties. There are 75 counties in the state, so of course we've tried to determine which 15 counties should be our focus. We've considered a variety of issues and made a tentative list. That doesn't mean we have to stay with those 15, but that's where we're going to start. 

Campbell said the third element in winning was the last and most obvious point, which will be to gain a majority of votes for the law in the November 2002 election.

"But we can't even talk about winning at the voting booth until we get enough signatures," she said. 

The petitioning process became the focus of further strategizing. 

"We will work through three methods of gathering signatures - individuals, groups, and businesses. In each method, people who support our goal will be able to help us to whatever extent they wish. Of course, without any help, we won't succeed. Our supporters are the key. The more people who help, the sooner we can gather the signatures we need," Campbell explained.

"Getting these counties taken care of will give us 24,800 signatures. The rest of the 100,000 can come from anywhere in the state. We've looked at where our supporters are to select these 15 counties. We've also looked at media and population centers. As an extension of that idea, we've chosen Fayetteville and Little Rock as the best places to work for the other 75,000 names," she elaborated.

"That's not to say we aren't interested in the whole state. We have to keep in mind that if and when we get this on the ballot, we need supporters to vote for it statewide. So we'll have public meetings and other outreach in every corner of Arkansas." 

15 Target Counties
Benton
Carroll
Madison
Newton
Washington
Baxter
Stone
Johnson
Van Buren
Faulkner
White
Garland
Saline
Jefferson
Pulaski

Campbell said the groups discussed methods for petitioning by groups or through businesses.  "We're offering business kits -- we'll set up an establishment with all the supplies they need and we'll provide free notary service. In exchange for their trouble, we'll advertise that business on our website and in other promotionals."

"People across Arkansas need our help on this. Just last week, I received another story for our collection. It was emailed to me," Ms. Campbell stated. "Here's his story." 

"Here is another story for your files; I am 46 years old. I have been a diabetic for 25 of those years. During this time, I have had amputations to both feet. 

"I have what is called neuropathy. This is a highly painful nerve disorder. I was taking 2800mg of Neuroten a day plus 4 to 6 Percocet. 

"I also have severe hypertension  and take 100 mg of Zoloft. 

"After two years I became so dependent on the Percocet. I was taking sometimes more than 10 a day.

"Then I started smoking marijuana. I have stopped taking Percocet and take only 400mg of the Neuroten. My pain is gone.  

"When I get really hyper I take about three hits and stay calm for hours. I am also on dialysis. This zaps your energy. I take a few hits after treatment, and have energy to function all day."