Every once in a while, somebody in the pro-marijuana crowd will let slip with something honest but impolitic. We are reminded of the battle in the several states for "medical" marijuana laws over the years.

Back in 2016, an unfortunate spokesman for a pro-dope outfit in Ohio let it be known that his people would work with other groups for the budding industry: "We can't sit here and keep it criminalized with no policy at all instead of supporting incremental change."

Incremental change. That is, step-by-step gradual change. We understood then, and understand now: The more honest of the marijuana pushers will tell you that medical marijuana was always the first step toward full legalization.

Need more proof? See the papers in Arkansas this past week.

After state voters approved several ballot issues this last election, the usual suspects told reporters that the next step for Arkansas is a recreational marijuana law. They told reporters that Arkansas has the "opportunity" to be the first state in the South to legalize weed. As if that would be something to be proud of. No accounting for taste.

Can it happen here? You bet. Some of us never thought Arkansans would legalize medical marijuana, but We the People did just that. Recreational dope is the next step. Imagine your Friday night football games smelling like a Phish concert. People get ready.

If dope is a gateway drug, then Arkansas' medical marijuana act is a gateway law. Come 2020, expect to see more ballot issues going to pot.

This time, however, marijuana's advocates will be more honest. They'll have to be. They will want your vote for full-bore legalization. If the language on the ballot isn't clear on that point, the state's attorney general won't approve it.

Would that these people were as honest years ago, when they were "only" suggesting "medical" marijuana for the "very sick" and how could you people on the editorial page be against helping sick people?

Call all that smoke and mirrors. With a lot of smoke.

Editorial on 12/01/2018