Earlier this summer, Oklahoma activist group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) published drafts of two potential ballot measures. One would legalize recreational cannabis to adults 21 and over. The other would create the Oklahoma State Cannabis Commission (OSCC) to help regulate and oversee the entire state’s medical cannabis program. Public feedback was encouraged, and on September 21 ORCA published the finalized language for their two measures. They are now preparing to file each measure with the state. 

Recreational Cannabis

The first measure ORCA looks to submit would legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. Consumers can hold up to eight ounces if purchased from legal retailers. Additionally, up to 12 home growth plants are allowed. What the plants produce at home does not count towards the total eight ounces held since they are for an individuals’ personal use and grown in their home. 

A 15 percent excise tax would apply to all recreational cannabis sales. Revenue from each sale would first go towards implementing and covering the costs of the new recreational cannabis state program. Once those initial costs become paid, revenue will split in a variety of ways. Funds will cover, but not limited to:

• Water-related infrastructure
• People with disabilities
• Cannabis research
• Substance misuse treatment
• Law enforcement training

Plus, the recreational cannabis measure includes provisions for resentencing and expungement of previous cannabis convictions. 

Medical Cannabis Restructure

While voters approved medical cannabis in 2018, the Oklahoma activist group says there isn’t much structure or consistency towards the program. Unlike other states where certain conditions qualify for medical cannabis, doctors can prescribe medical cannabis in Oklahoma for any condition if they think medical cannabis will help. 

ORCA isn’t looking to change this aspect of medical cannabis. They are looking to establish the Oklahoma State Cannabis Commission (OSCC). This commission would oversee and run the state medical cannabis program. That way, any illicit farms, concerns from the public, or other issues needing addressed have a specific commission to go to. 

Next Steps

ORCA must now collect 177,958 signatures for each measure as they will both be classified as amendments to the state’s constitution. Once signatures become collected and validated by the secretary of state, then approved measures will go on the 2022 ballot. Even though each measure is handled separately, activists see them as complimentary. Then, it will be up to the voters of Oklahoma to determine if the measures pass. 

Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.