By Steve Fair A group seeking the legalization of recreational marijuana in Oklahoma is nearing the deadline to gather the 170,000 signatures needed to put State Question 837 on the ballo t.
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action claim legalizing pot for those over the age of 21 addresses loopholes in current Oklahoma law.
“Our enforcement arms will not protect our children. We are attempting to do that,” Jed Green, executive director of Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, said. ORCA has until Nov. 3 to get the necessary signatures. They are working 24/7 to hit their goal. Three observations: First, Oklahoma’s marijuana consumption has increased in the past six years. According to an October 2024 study, nearly 18% of Sooner State residents regularly use marijuana. That ranks 15th in the U.S.
Medical cannabis was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018, but recreational weed is technically still illegal. Medical marijuana has become increasingly affordable in the Sooner State, thanks to the numerous cultivation licenses, reduced barriers for commercial growers, and heavy competition among dispensaries, which leads to the second point: Marijuana has medical benefits. Most health care professionals acknowledge marijuana does relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation. Cannabis can help chemotherapy patients with nausea and vomiting. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been proven to reduce seizures in some types of epilepsy. Multiple sclerosis sufferers also may benefit from CBD. Marijuana can lower pressure in the eye, which benefits glaucoma patients.
But Oklahoma’s current law allows for citizens to get a medical weed card with little examination or screening, which has resulted in pseudo recreational use already.
Third, Oklahoma has already rejected recreational weed. In 2023, SQ 820 w as defeated 61%-39%, which sought to do much of the same thing SQ 837 does.
But national interests will not give up until they are successful. If passed, SQ 837 would amend the Oklahoma State Constitution, and the Legislature would be powerless to fix any flaws it might have.
The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police is leading the opposition to SQ 837. “Police chiefs across Oklahoma have seen firsthand the unintended consequences of the state’s existing medical marijuana program,” OACP said in a news release. “Before we expand marijuana access even further, we must first address the lack of enforcement tools, regulatory gaps, and the growing illegal market operating under the guise of legal ‘medical’ use.”
The OACP says the normalization of drug use will allow for more impaired drivers on Oklahoma roads. They point out there is currently no reliable tool to detect marijuana-related DUIs in real time. They also point out how the legalizing of medical marijuana has resulted in an erosion of employer rights to maintain drug-free workplaces.
“This initiative does nothing to strengthen our communities. It undermines them. We urge Oklahomans to reject State Question 837 and prevent it from reaching the ballot,” OACP says.
How close to 170,000 signatures ORCA has is unknown. ORCA has kept their progress close to the vest. What is clear is out-ofstate interests are funding their efforts. And if SQ 837 reaches the ballot, even more special interest money will flow into the state.
If asked, do not sign the petition. SQ 837 is no t good for Oklahoma.
Steve Fair is vice chairman of the Fourth District of the Oklahoma Republican Party. He can be reached at steve.fair@ymail.com. His blog is stevefair. blogspot.com.