Oklahoma’s polls are open to determine whether voters want to embrace adult marijuana
A ballot measure that would legalize marijuana for adults will be put before voters today, a decision that could undoubtedly usher in a market that has been growing over the years. History will be made regarding legalization initiatives since, in most counties in the state, the cannabis measure (State Question 820) is the only thing voters will see on their ballot.
Several efforts by advocates to try to get the reform on the ballot last November were unsuccessful due to some delays in signature verification by officials. The state Supreme Court made a subsequent decision indicating that the window to qualify for that cycle had passed.
Still, Governor Kevin Stitt, showing great interest in the issue, called a special election on the marijuana measure. That decision will be reflected at the polls today.
The initiative seeks to allow adults over the age of 21 to possess and purchase up to one ounce of marijuana as well as grow up to six mature plants and six seeds for personal use. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will be the entity already in place to regulate the program and handle the issuance of commercial cannabis licenses if the proposal is successful.
Marijuana products for adult use will be taxed at a special 15% excise tax and the revenue will be used to support an “Oklahoma Marijuana Revenue Trust Fund.” The cost of administering the program would be the first item to be covered by these funds. The remainder would be divided to support the municipalities where sales occurred, the general fund, the State Judicial Revolving Fund, education grants and grants for programs related to substance abuse treatment and prevention.