Oklahoma may vote to legalize medical cannabis sooner than expected

We are coordinating with multiple groups across the state to ensure the passage of SQ788. The current understanding is…

Published by Oklahomans for Health on Friday, November 3, 2017

«Our current understanding is that Mary Fallin would set the date for the vote on SQ788 [the text of law [on the legalization of medical cannabis] on June 26, 2018,« the group wrote on their Facebook page. »When we are sure, we will make a real announcement, but for now, it's time to organize for the primary!".

«We are preparing for June in anticipation. The government does not want SQ788 on the general ballot,» the group confided. Primary elections usually contain less ambitious measures than general elections. The success of the initiative will depend in particular on the participation of pro-reform activists in the upcoming June election.

Oklahoma had gathered enough signatures to put the measure on the ballot in the November 2016 vote, where 9 states voted for or against the legalization of cannabis for medical and/or recreational use. 4 states, including California, voted in favor of recreational legalization, and 4 others for medical.

Former Attorney General Scott Pruitt blocked the measure by challenging its title, initiating a legal battle that was not resolved early enough to place the measure on the November ballot. Pruitt is now working for Trump at the head of the’Environmental Protection Agency.

If the Governor of Oklahoma decides to move the measure to June, the state will be the first in the year to vote on medical cannabis in 2018. Other states will join it in November, notably Missouri, Utah, and Michigan, which are currently collecting their signatures.