LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the state inches closer to starting its medical marijuana program, one group is now pushing for recreational marijuana to become legal.

One advocate said this is the only option for those who need pot.

The Drug Policy Education Center is preparing to submit a proposal to Attorney General Leslie Rutledge that would bring recreational marijuana to a vote in Arkansas.

This comes after an effort before a legislative committee failed to add nearly 40 more conditions that would qualify patients to use medical marijuana in Arkansas.

Executive Director Melissa Fults calls this disappointing.

“We feel like the state has let us down, and our only option is to get a recreational bill passed where anyone who actually needs it will have access, and patients will have the right to grow a small amount at home,” Fults said.

Fults adds some people are afraid to get medical marijuana cards and give up gun rights.

All 32 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state have been licensed, and patient ID’s go into effect Feb. 15.

The next steps for this group include getting approval for Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, printing petitions, and gathering signatures in April.