Oklahoma residents are gearing up for a crucial decision on State Question 820, which will legalize recreational marijuana in the state. On March 7, voters will head to the polls to determine the fate of the proposed measure. If approved, recreational customers will be taxed 15%, compared to the current 7% rate for medical marijuana cardholders.
“Legalizing recreational marijuana is important for Oklahomans who are tired of seeing people incarcerated for minor marijuana offenses when the idea of using marijuana recreationally is pretty widely accepted,” says Michelle Tilley, the campaign director for Vote Yes on 820, Oklahomans for Sensible Marijuana Laws.
The proposal aims to generate revenue for the state by taxing recreational marijuana use, and according to a report by Vicente Sederberg LLP and the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association, the state stands to gain $821 million in tax revenue in the first five years of legalization. Tilley suggests that the money generated could benefit schools, local governments, and law enforcement agencies.
However, not everyone supports the proposal. Protect Our Kids, Vote No 820, the group opposing recreational marijuana, is concerned about the impact of the proposal on children. Pat McFerron, a member of the group, alleges that recreational marijuana use could increase the risk of child endangerment and organized crime in the state.
“This State Question expressly changes the threshold for child endangerment, allowing for the use of marijuana around infants and toddlers,” says McFerron. “When you couple that with the kind of stratospheric increase in those under five years old being poisoned by ingesting marijuana, it's really concerning.”
Despite the opposition, Vote Yes on 820 remains confident that legalizing recreational marijuana in the state would bring about positive changes. If approved by voters, Question 820 will go into effect three months later, and anyone aged 21 and above will be able to purchase recreational marijuana, even if they live outside of Oklahoma.
References:
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Hahn, B. (2022, November 27). Marijuana legalization will be on the ballot in Oklahoma in March. The Oklahoman. Retrieved from https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/drugs/marijuana/2022/11/27/marijuana-legalization-will-be-on-the-ballot-in-oklahoma-in-march/69658006007/
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NORML. (2023, January 4). Will Oklahoma be the next state to legalize marijuana? Retrieved from https://norml.org/blog/2023/01/04/will-oklahoma-be-the-next-state-to-legalize-marijuana/
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