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Oklahoma Voters Reject Recreational Marijuana Legalization

 
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Oklahoma voters rejected a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana, with 63% of voters voting against the measure. The state has already embraced medical marijuana with around 400 dispensaries in Oklahoma City alone, but voters decided against going further.

description: an image of a ballot box with the words "vote" written on it.

Oklahoma voters went to the polls on Tuesday to decide on State Question 820, a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state for adults ages 21 and older. However, with 90% of ballots counted as of Tuesday night, 63% of voters rejected the proposal to legalize recreational use for people over 21.

The proposal would have allowed individuals aged 21 and older to purchase marijuana products for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. Supporters of the measure argued that it would bring in much-needed tax revenue for the state and reduce the number of non-violent drug offenses. However, opponents of the measure raised concerns about the potential negative effects of legalizing recreational marijuana, such as increased drug use and impaired driving.

Oklahoma City has already embraced medical marijuana, with around 400 dispensaries in the city alone. However, voters decided against going further and legalizing recreational marijuana. The state has some of the most permissive medical marijuana laws in the country, allowing doctors to recommend the drug for any medical condition they see fit.

The defeat of the proposal came as a surprise to some, as recent polling had shown a majority of Oklahomans in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. However, opponents of the measure mounted a late blitz of opposition, running ads and sending mailers to voters in the days leading up to the election.

Despite the defeat of the proposal, supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Oklahoma are likely to continue pushing for it in the future. The state has already taken steps toward decriminalizing marijuana possession, and some lawmakers have expressed support for legalizing the drug.

The rejection of the proposal is not expected to have a major impact on the state's medical marijuana industry, which has already seen rapid growth since it was legalized in 2018. The industry has created thousands of jobs and generated millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state.

In the end, it was up to the voters of Oklahoma to decide on the future of recreational marijuana in the state. And while the proposal was ultimately rejected, the debate over legalizing the drug is likely to continue for years to come.

Overall, the defeat of the proposal shows that support for legalizing recreational marijuana is not as strong as some may have thought in Oklahoma. However, with other states moving toward legalization, it remains to be seen whether Oklahoma will follow suit in the future.

Labels:
oklahomavotersrejectedrecreational marijuanalegalizationmedical marijuanadispensariesballot measurestate question 820adult-use marijuanaspecial election

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