An effort is forming to oppose ballot initiatives that would legalize medial marijuana, saying it would lead to increased use of the drug and, eventually, full legalization.

The Coalition for Safer Arkansas Communities held an informational meeting Friday that included a message from Terry Benham of Impact Management, who is managing the group’s campaign, Keep Arkansas Safe. The main speaker was Little Rock native and Colorado resident Henny Laster of Smart Colorado, a group that opposes marijuana legalization in that state.

The Coalition expects to have support from law enforcement personnel, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, educators, and medical providers. The state’s surgeon general, Dr. Greg Bledsoe, opposes the legalization efforts. Gov. Asa Hutchinson also has indicated his opposition to medical marijuana.

An initiated act to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes has already qualified for the November ballot. Signatures also are being counted for a constitutional amendment legalizing medical...