Serine
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) is gearing up to launch a major campaign aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in Oklahoma, starting with a statewide signature collection drive beginning August 6. The group is pushing to place State Question 837 (SQ 837) on the November 2026 ballot.
Campaign Aims for 300,000 Signatures
To officially qualify, the campaign needs 172,993 valid signatures by 5 p.m. on November 4. However, organizers are targeting a much higher goal of 300,000 signatures to secure ballot placement and prevent potential legal disputes.
“If we reach that number, any challenge under current law has a 99.99% chance of failing,” stated ORCA in a Facebook post.
Three-Part Plan to Mobilize Support
To meet this ambitious target, ORCA is implementing a three-pronged strategy:
- Partnering with local businesses — not just dispensaries, but any supportive retailers.
- Coordinating grassroots volunteers to gather signatures across communities.
- Hiring professional signature collectors to cover large population areas.
The campaign estimates that if just 300 supportive businesses each gather 1,000 signatures, they’ll easily surpass their target.
“You don’t have to be a dispensary—just an ally in our fight for freedom,” ORCA emphasized in its outreach to cannabis-friendly establishments.
Key Features of State Question 837
SQ 837 would legalize adult-use cannabis for individuals 21 and older and establish a regulated marketplace for licensed sales. The initiative includes strong consumer protections, covering areas like:
- Employment rights
- Housing security
- Access to healthcare
- Driving privileges
- Firearm ownership
The proposal also introduces a 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana purchases. Tax revenues would be distributed as follows:
| Tax Revenue Allocation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| State General Fund | 40% |
| County Governments | 30% |
| Local Municipalities | 30% |
No Legal Challenges So Far
The campaign recently completed its public comment period without facing any legal objections, indicating growing momentum for what could be Oklahoma’s most comprehensive cannabis reform effort to date.
With a robust strategy, high public engagement, and no legal hurdles so far, Oklahoma’s marijuana legalization initiative is on track to become a historic statewide movement.
By aiming for 300,000 signatures, ORCA is working to ensure a smooth path to the 2026 ballot, bringing the state one step closer to legalized recreational cannabis.