This news today may seem to be a fresh one, but the fact is that Oklahoma residents have been trying to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. Oklahoma voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2018 and has one of the most liberal medical marijuana programs in the United States. However, the state still has laws prohibiting the recreational use of marijuana, which is in line with federal law.
However, with the present situation, Oklahoma is not necessarily against light cannabis use by adults, but rather it is a conservative state where the decision to legalize recreational cannabis use is being put to a vote through State Question 820. If the measure passes, Oklahoma would become one of the few conservative states to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults.
The mixed results:
The single issue on the statewide ballot is State Question 820, which was the outcome of a signature-gathering campaign last year. While certain conservative states, like Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana usage, other states have done so, including Montana in 2020 and Missouri last year.
Law enforcement officials and prosecutors, including former Republican Governor Frank Keating, an ex-FBI agent, and Terri White, the former director of the state’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, are opposed to the idea.
Some people believe that if this law gets passed, then society will look more stoned. Besides, anybody over the age of 21 would be able to buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana, along with concentrates and goods infused with the drug. Up to 12 marijuana plants may be lawfully grown by an individual. In addition to the regular sales tax, recreational sales would also be subject to a 15% excise tax. Local governments, the judicial system, public schools, drug rehabilitation centers, and the state’s general income pool would all benefit from the excise tax.
However, some believe that the specifics of such proposals can vary from one jurisdiction to another, and there may be different regulations and limitations in place for the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana. Additionally, even if a proposal passes, it may take some time for the legal infrastructure and market to fully develop.
A legal procedure for persons to request the dismissal of earlier marijuana-related convictions is also included in the plan.
By a margin of 14 percentage points, Oklahoma citizens legalized medical marijuana in 2018. The state also boasts one of the more permissive regimes in the nation, with around 10% of the adult population of the state holding a medical license.
Due to the limitations on the permission granted for this industry, many processors and growers are competing to gain customers. Many supporters would rather believe that the marijuana industry would be flooded with out-of-state customers like Texas, an hour’s drive from Oklahoma.
However, the success of the marijuana industry in any given location will depend on many factors, including the regulatory environment, consumer demand, and the ability of businesses to compete effectively.
Conclusion:
With this news today, it is clear that Oklahoma has already legalized medical marijuana and has one of the most permissive medical marijuana programs in the country. However, the decision to legalize the recreational use of cannabis is a separate issue and has mixed reactions across the country, with some states legalizing it and others rejecting it.
