Oklahoma Group Files Two Initiative Petitions to Bring Cannabis Policy Reform to 2022 Ballot

Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action filed two initiative petitions Oct. 7 to bring cannabis policy reform measures to the state’s 2022 ballot.

One initiative petition would legalize adult-use cannabis, The Oklahoman reported, while the other makes changes to the state’s existing medical cannabis laws.

The adult-use measure would allow adults 21 and older to grow, purchase, transport, receive, prepare and consume cannabis, according to the news outlet. The proposal levies a 15% tax on adult-use cannabis sales and phases out the 7% tax on medical cannabis sales over the course of a year, The Oklahoman reported.

The adult-use proposal also allows those serving time for cannabis-related convictions to ask the court for resentencing or dismissal.

“Until we pass recreational [marijuana legalization] we will not be able to truly bring stability to our program,” Jed Green, who heads Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action and who backed the state’s medical cannabis initiative, State Question 788, told The Oklahoman. “Legalization prevents diversion. Folks have been and are going to use marijuana. Have been for decades. It is in the best interest of our state to get ahead of the curve on this issue. We must put this issue to rest.”

The medical cannabis measure proposes replacing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) with a standalone agency called the Oklahoma State Cannabis Commission, according to The Oklahoman.

The proposal also gives the newly created Oklahoma State Cannabis Commission a seat on the governor’s cabinet, the news outlet reported.

If the petitions are approved, Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action will have 90 days to gather 178,000 signatures for each proposed constitutional amendment to qualify them for the 2022 ballot.