2 Petitions Filed Aim To Legalize Recreational Marijuana In The State

Oklahoma- News 6

A few new initiatives are hoping to legalize recreational marijuana use by those 21 years and older in Oklahoma.

Two petitions have been filed with the Secretary of State’s office, but they are still in the early stages.

If it qualifies for the ballot, the newest petition would appear as State Question 820.

A similar petition was brought forward two years ago.

Since then, Campaign Spokeswoman Michelle Tilley said they have made some changes and now they feel this petition is better written and has more support.

“More and more people are interested in this from an economic standpoint, criminal justice aspect, and the revenue it can provide for the governor and for the citizens of our state,” said Tilley.

If approved, there would be a 15% tax on recreational marijuana.

This tax would not apply to medical marijuana.

Tilley said it would bring a lot more tax revenue in to the state.

“That will help us to bring in millions of dollars of tax revenue for the state.”

According to the petition, extra revenue would be placed in an Oklahoma Marijuana Revenue Trust Fund.

It would be dispersed within the city where it is sold, as well as the general revenue fund, courts and drug treatment programs for youth and adults.

Tilley said there is also a criminal justice reform component.

“It would even make laws more fair across the board and not cause waste in our criminal justice system for minor offenses involving marijuana.”

If it’s approved by the Secretary of State’s office, State Question 820 will need almost 95,000 signatures in order to appear on the ballot.

The other recreational marijuana petition for State Question 819 would amend the state constitution.

If the state supreme court gives it the green light, that petition would need 178,000 signatures to make it to a vote.

To read the full petition, click here.