Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action has launched a petition aimed at placing the ‘Oklahoma Responsible Cannabis Act’ on the ballot, potentially allowing voters to decide on the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state. This initiative marks a renewed effort in a series of attempts to modify Oklahoma’s cannabis laws, with organizers claiming a more unified industry behind this push.
Jed Green, a spokesperson for the group, emphasized that unlike previous efforts, the current campaign enjoys strong support from various industry stakeholders. The proposed legislation would permit adults aged 21 and older to purchase cannabis legally.
This move follows the failure of State Question 820 earlier in 2023, which Green opposed due to concerns over external funding and lack of local outreach. He believes the new petition addresses prior criticisms by focusing on local interests and safety.
Under the proposed act, medical marijuana license holders would be exempt from a 7% tax on recreational cannabis purchases, while those without a license would incur a new 10% tax. Revenue from this tax would be allocated among state, county, and city governments where the cannabis is sold. Additionally, the law would protect individuals from being presumed impaired based solely on the presence of cannabinoids in their system, which can remain detectable for up to 30 days.
Green argues that this legislation would not only improve access to cannabis but also promote safer use practices, steering users away from synthetic drugs. He pointed out the current lack of safety testing for cannabis products sold to minors, which raises public health concerns.
To qualify for the ballot, the group aims to gather approximately 173,000 signatures by the end of this year, with the possibility of extending the campaign into 2026 if necessary. The outcome of this petition could position Oklahoma as a notable player in the movement toward cannabis legalization in the United States.
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