Medical marijuana pushes forward in Oklahoma

The push for legalized marijuana has moved into Oklahoma, one of the most conservative states in the country, further underscoring how quickly feelings about marijuana are changing in the United States, according to the Associated Press.

If the measure (SQ788) passes, Oklahoma will join 30 other states that have legalized some form of medical marijuana, according to the pro-pot National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana laws. Nine of those states and Washington, D.C. also have broad legalization where adults 21 and older can use pot for any reason. Michigan could become the 10th state with its ballot initiative this year.

Oklahoma are among 16 states that allow for use an oil called cannabidiol, or CBD, a compound from cannabis that doesn't get users high but can treat a range of health concerns.

Justin Strekal, political director for NORML, is confident the Oklahoma measure will pass.

"America's appetite for cannabis is not going away," Strekal said. "We are in the death rattles of prohibition."

Marijuana legalization efforts have faced some pushback from religions before — including in 2016 in Arizona and Nevada from the Mormon church, and the same year from the Catholic Church in Massachusetts. But not to the scale they could face this year in Utah, where Mormons account for about two-third of the population, said Matthew Schweich, executive director of the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project.

Oklahoma will vote in June on its proposal that would allow doctors to recommend that patients receive a medical marijuana license allowing them to legally possess up to three ounces of the drug, six mature plants and six seedlings.

Yesterday, a bill that would allow Oklahoma farmers to grow hemp was sent to Gov. Mary Fallin's desk.

The Senate voted 39-1 in favor of House Bill 2913. The bill would allow Oklahoma farmers to grow hemp, a plant that looks similar to marijuana but has differences when it comes to THC.

Hemp has about 20,000 industrial uses, including cannabidiol, clothing and feed.

State Reps. Jon Echols and Mickey Dollens said in February that the bill has nothing to do with legalizing marijuana in Oklahoma.

HB3468 missed the committee deadline. Norma Sapp, State Director at OKNORML said "There are a couple of options available. One is to take it to an appropriations committee because it will need to have start up money to get it off the ground. Another choice may be to take it directly to the Senate floor. There was a brief discussion about coming back to a special session after we vote [SQ788] on June 26. So my advice for now is to ask you write or call or State Senator and ask them to please look into it. And also call your House member to ask them to vote No on SB1120 should it go to the House floor."

Copyright Associated Press, all rights reserved.

The Gayly. April 17, 2018. 10:37 a.m. CST.