The recreational marijuana initiative petition, filed as State Question 806 would add an amendment to the Constitution, which would generally legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana under state law. The petition proposes that taxes fund education, municipalities and state grant programs. The tax revenue would go into a new fund. Oklahoma’s Legislature would have the power to change the 15% tax rate no sooner than Nov. 3, 2024.
Oklahomans who have been convicted of drug charges that effectively would be nullified by making the recreational use of marijuana legal would be able to petition the courts to have the conviction dismissed and their record expunged.
The petition outlines limitations on possession and grants people the authority to grow a limited number of cannabis plants at home.
Anyone under age 21 who is caught possessing, ingesting, inhaling, or transporting marijuana could face a civil penalty of $100 and be required to forfeit the cannabis.
Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish, a 2019 National Law Journal Trailblazer in Cannabis Law, comments “SQ 806 contains provisions that can potentially undermine Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program. As written, it is ill-conceived.”
Chip Paul, chairman of Oklahomans for Health, states “Because of our unique marijuana program, marijuana is currently accessible to everyone. This petition invites out of state residents and does not give enhanced benefits to Oklahoma patients. We are not ready for recreational at this point.”
“We see this as more of a distraction.” Bud Scott, executive director of the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association, says that this is a “possible call to action for our industry folks.” Scott explained that in his opinion there is still much more work to do on the current Oklahoma cannabis law.
Scott added, “At any rate we stand behind the decision of the people.”
Supporters of the measure will have to collect nearly 178,000 signatures to get it on the ballot in 2020.