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Supporters of recreational marijuana legalization in Oklahoma are preparing to collect signatures starting August 6 to put State Question 837 (SQ 837) on the ballot.
The initiative proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state. Backers must gather 172,993 valid signatures by November 3 for the measure to qualify.
New Petition Law Adds Geographic Restrictions
Despite getting the green light to proceed, advocates face challenges from Senate Bill 1027, a recently enacted law that places stricter rules on the initiative petition process.
Signed by Governor Kevin Stitt in May, the legislation includes county-based signature caps, which limit the number of signatures that can be collected from highly populated counties.
This new requirement is intended to encourage statewide participation, but critics argue it significantly raises the difficulty of qualifying initiatives for the ballot. The law has already sparked two legal challenges, which are currently pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Uncertainty Over Constitutionality Remains
Although legal action has been taken to contest SB 1027, the state’s Supreme Court has not issued a stay on its implementation. Instead, the court is focusing on a related challenge involving State Question 836, which proposes to open Oklahoma’s primary elections. The court has not elaborated on why it prioritized one case over another.
Campaigners Push Forward Despite Obstacles
Jed Green, director of Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, emphasized that his team is moving ahead by complying with the guidelines laid out by the Secretary of State.
While acknowledging the new law adds administrative burdens, Green stated, “The more egregious unconstitutional aspects of 1027 may be litigated at some point in the future.”
Green noted that his group is confident in its ability to meet the law’s demand to collect signatures from at least 20 counties, thanks to their statewide presence.
Critics Say the Process Has Become Too Restrictive
Amber England, a seasoned advocate involved in ballot initiatives like the Medicaid expansion and the 2026 minimum wage increase proposal, expressed concern over the evolving landscape.
“Each time we run an initiative, lawmakers tighten the rules,” she said. “While Oklahoma technically has a petition process, the growing restrictions have nearly rendered it unusable.”
England argued that the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to limit citizen-driven initiatives are a direct attempt to undermine voter power.
Mixed History with Cannabis Legalization in Oklahoma
Oklahoma voters have historically supported medical marijuana, passing it in 2018 with 57% approval. However, attempts to expand legalization to recreational use have failed. In March 2023, nearly 62% of voters rejected State Question 820, which aimed to legalize recreational cannabis.
Pat McFerron, who managed the campaign opposing SQ 820, stated the proposal failed in all 77 counties. He remarked, “Most Oklahomans already view the current system as effectively recreational. There’s little public appetite to make it even easier.”
As SQ 837 enters the signature collection phase, Oklahoma’s political and legal climate casts uncertainty over its success. With new restrictions and unresolved court challenges, supporters face a steep uphill battle.
Still, advocacy groups remain committed to giving voters a chance to revisit the issue of recreational marijuana legalization—even as opponents argue the current system is already lenient enough.