TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma has quickly become a nationwide leader when it comes to its percentage of medical marijuana users, and now one group is looking to take it a step further.
State Question 806 was filed Dec. 12 to get recreational marijuana on the ballot. The law would change use in the state only shortly after medical marijuana took off, but not everyone is on board.
While this wouldn't be the first time Oklahomans have petitioned for recreational marijuana, they do have the momentum of a successful medical marijuana program. SQ 806 would allow those 21 and older to freely use marijuana, while setting some hard rules.
It would set limits on impaired driving, and allow businesses and property owners to make their own rules. The constitutional amendment would also allow cities to limit or prohibit dispensaries.
But some are taking issue with the fact it's a constitutional amendment, and the way the state question is written.
"When you get down to how it would actually operate, how you would actually operate the program, it's very confusing and would lead to a lot of confusion with state officials and local officials," said Chip Paul, chairman of Oklahomans for Health, which helped draft the state question that legalized medical marijuana.
Paul says several groups who worked to get medical marijuana on the ballot don't support the measure to legalize recreational use.
He says they feel it's too early with a budding medical marijuana industry, and not practical, with so many people already taking part in the medical marijuana program.
The petition will need nearly 178,000 signatures to go on the November 20-20 ballot. After the Secretary of State decides when the process can start, the group will have 90 days to get all of their signatures.
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