TULSA -- The Tulsa Regional Chamber has joined other Oklahoma organizations in opposing State Question 788, which would legalize the sale and growth of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
The chamber sent out the following statement:
“The Tulsa Regional Chamber feels that State Question 788 is just not the right vehicle to achieve legalization of marijuana for use to treat medical conditions,” said Chamber Chair Steve Bradshaw.
“While acknowledging that use of marijuana to alleviate symptoms associated with specific medical conditions can be beneficial in some instances, the Chamber feels that SQ 788 is written in such a way as to make it very difficult to govern or administer marijuana use. The Chamber’s concern is that SQ 788 does not adequately balance the needs of those who could benefit from the medicinal use of marijuana and the needs of employers, law enforcement, school, landlords and health care providers,” Bradshaw said.
SQ 788 would allow an adult to obtain a medical marijuana license to use marijuana, possess up to three ounces and frow up to six mature cannabis plants and six seedlings.
An Oklahoma board-certified physician's signature is required to obtain a license.
“Because of the minimal threshold for justifying a medical need and the prolonged timeframe for keeping a license, SQ 788 creates a protected class of employees for license-holders who can be impaired on the job without a current or legitimate medical need,” Bradshaw said. “This severely weakens employers’ ability to fulfill safety and legal responsibilities to both employees and the public, and to maintain a reasonable, drug-free workplace.”
The following groups are also a part of the "SQ 788 is NOT Medical" coalition:
- Catholic Conference of Oklahoma
- Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
- Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology
- Oklahoma Bankers Association
- Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association
- Oklahoma City FOP, Lodge 123
- Oklahoma District Attorneys Association
- Oklahoma Faith Leaders
- Oklahoma County Medical Society
- Oklahoma Hospital Association
- Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
- Oklahoma Pharmacists Association
- Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association
- Oklahoma Society of Anesthesiologists
- Oklahoma State Medical Association
- State Chamber of Oklahoma
- State of Oklahoma FOP
- Tulsa County Medical Society
The measure will be voted on in the June 26 primary election.
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