Oklahoma Legalizes Medical Marijuana
With over 92 percent precincts reporting, the vote came down to 56% supporting MMJ and 43% opposing Oklahoma State Question 788.
The MMJ measure is unique in that it does not specify qualifying medical conditions like most states, which lay out detailed lists of illnesses.
State Question 788 allows people 18 and over to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation on the basis of a board-certified physician’s signature. In the case of a minor, two physicians and their parent or legal guardian must give their approval.
Acceptance of such and open-ended MMJ proposal in a red state like Oklahoma, some analysts say, points to the far-reaching support medical cannabis is now garnering among the US population.
Recent polls have shown that more than over 90% of the country supports medical marijuana and nearly 65% support the legalization of recreational cannabis.
“Public support for medical marijuana access is non-partisan,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said in a statement. “Even in a predominantly ‘red’ state like Oklahoma, it is the will of the voters to enact common sense, yet significant marijuana law reforms.”
Once the votes had clearly gone in favor of MMJ legalization, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin reiterated her criticism of the bill, saying that it was written so loosely that it could easily open the door to recreational cannabis. She promised to respect the will of the voters although she said that she will be discussing options to revise the bill.
“I will be discussing with legislative leaders and state agencies our options going forward on how best to proceed with adding a medical and proper regulatory framework to make sure marijuana use is truly for valid medical illnesses,” said Governor Fallin in a statement.
In related news, two Democratic gubernatorial candidates who favor marijuana legalization both won their primaries: Former NAACP president, Ben Jealous, from Maryland and U.S. representative, Jared Polis, from Colorado.
See a full breakdown of Tuesday’s primaries and where the winners and losers stand of legalization.
Most of it is good news.
