Oklahoma, a medical cannabis state votes against recreational! This state has a booming cannabis industry and the ballot would have allowed recreational use. This means that anyone over 21 years of age would be able to consume and use cannabis.
This state ballot would have allowed recreational Cannabis use.
The state of Oklahoma has voted down a ballot measure that would’ve legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. The measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma failed with 52 percent opposed and 48 percent supporting the tax. This is the first time Oklahoma voters have rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, according to local media.
The state has voted several times in favor of legalizing medical marijuana and reducing penalties for possession of small amounts. The measure would’ve legalized recreational marijuana for people 21 years and older. The marijuana tax revenue would have gone to fund education, public health initiatives, and drug abuse programs.
Law enforcement, school administrators, and political and faith leaders highly opposed this law. They have seen the influx of illegal growers has affected the way people view the growing industry. In addition to effectively decriminalizing cannabis use, State Question 820 also sought to impose an excise tax on cannabis sales and to expunge cannabis-related criminal convictions. The supporters of this campaign have spent $5 million, which is almost 10 times more than the opposing voters.
Why Wasn’t it Enough?
November, cannabis referendums were approved in Maryland and Missouri, but Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota voted against it. Currently, 37 states have medical cannabis laws on the books, while 21 states allow recreational use. More than half of the United States have legalized it for medical use!
What We could have seen? 
In State Question 820, “This measure is intended to generally legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana under state law…Specifically, it would protect the personal use of marijuana for persons aged 21+ while establishing quantity limits…”
The personal use protection stated “subject to limitation are not unlawful and shall not be an offense under state law or the laws on any local government within the state…” also “…possessing, purchasing, using, ingesting, inhaling, processing, transporting…” with “…one ounce or less of marijuana.”
Unjustified for minor infractions
In Oklahoma, 60% of voters voted to opt-in on marijuana legalization, but that did not translate into victory. State Question 820 was voted down This resulted in the legalization of medical marijuana only, with no personal use and possession being illegal.
As it currently stands, this state has some leniency when it comes to medical marijuana use as half of it is already approved. The state of Oklahoma voted against personal use protection. this means that in Oklahoma the possession, purchasing, using, and transporting of up to one ounce of cannabis is only legal if you have a medical card. it will still be illegal for any non-medical reason and all amounts over an ounce.
Dispensaries dot the landscape, with more than 400 in just Oklahoma City alone. Just for medical use, this means that you have to get a prescribed license to acquire.
This is why it would work!
Conservative leaders in Oklahoma and in other states have voiced concern about ballot initiatives on marijuana, raising the minimum wage, and protecting access to abortion, and in recent years they have begun seeking to limit the ability of voters to directly decide such questions.
The governor of South Dakota brought a successful legal challenge after voters in her state approved a state constitutional amendment in November 2020 to legalize recreational marijuana. A new vote on the measure failed last year.
The ballot would have also taxed the cannabis industries and would a go to schools, child programs, and many more things. The people will have to wait to reintroduce the ballot again with minor changes to win the vote for recreational marijuana use. The people want to see the change!
Written By Agustin Perez
Sources
BBC: Oklahoma rejects referendum on recreational cannabis
NY Times: With a Marijuana Shop on ‘Every Corner,’ Oklahoma Rejects Full Legalization
SOS: Questions 820
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