Oklahoma voters reject recreational marijuana

A proposal to legalize recreational pot was rejected Tuesday in Oklahoma.

Electeds in the red state came out in force against the ballot question, preventing Oklahoma from becoming the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for fun.

“We’re pleased the voters have spoken,” said Republican strategist Pat McFerron. “We think this sends a clear signal that voters are not happy with the recreational nature of our medicinal system. We also think it shows voters recognize the criminal aspects, as well as the need for addressing mental health needs of the state.”

If approved, the proposal would have allowed anyone over the age of 21 to “purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, plus concentrates and marijuana-infused products.” Supporters were hoping for a big boon from sales taxes.

Oklahoma voted to approve medical marijuana in 2018 and has one of the most lenient programs in the country, with roughly 10% of all adults holding a medical license. That’s because no qualifying conditions are required — only a recommending physician — according to the National Library of Medicine.

Marijuana entrepreneurs flooded the state and hoped to cash in on the ballot question about recreational pot.

They saw business coming from the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth area, where recreational marijuana is illegal.

“We knew from the beginning this would be an uphill battle,” said Brian Vicente, a member of a committee in support of recreational pot in Oklahoma. “Overcoming a century of anti-marijuana propaganda is no simple task, and there is still work to be done.”

With News Wire Services