Why it matters:
Advocates in Wyoming are determined to get a medical cannabis bill on the 2024 ballot after facing miscommunication and inaccurate signature count information from the Secretary of State’s office. They are considering political and legal options to address this issue.
What they are saying:
Advocates reported that they did not submit the signatures they already had because they believed they did not collect enough signatures based on the inaccurate guidance from the Secretary of State’s office. However, it was later revealed that they had enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
The big picture:
Historically, cannabis bills have not received much support in Wyoming. The requirement for 15% signature counts in two-thirds of the state’s counties makes it challenging to qualify for the ballot. Advocates are determined to continue their fight for medical cannabis accessibility in the state despite the challenges they have faced.
What to watch:
Advocates will need to re-collect signatures from scratch before the legislative session begins in February 2024 in order to have the cannabis initiatives on the ballot. However, this timeline and the cost of collecting signatures pose significant challenges for advocacy groups.
Your take:
It is concerning that the Secretary of State’s office provided inaccurate signature count information, causing confusion and potentially hindering the ballot qualification process for medical cannabis initiatives. It is important for advocates to continue their efforts and explore all available options to ensure their voices are heard. The high signature requirement in Wyoming makes it difficult for grassroots movements to succeed, highlighting the need for potential reforms in the initiative process.
