Last Updated on March 8, 2023, 7:57 AM | Published: March 8, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Oklahoma after voters overwhelmingly rejected a state question Tuesday night that would’ve allowed for adult use of cannabis for those 21 and older.
Oklahomans, specifically those in rural counties, voted against the State Question 820, the only question on the ballot, by a margin of 61.7% and 38.3% of the total votes.
Rural vs. Urban Counties
Tuesday’s results show Oklahoma’s three largest and most populated counties – Oklahoma, Tulsa, and Cleveland – almost passed the state question, while the rural areas that make up the rest of the state easily voted against it.
Oklahoma County, the most populated county in the state, was only 36 votes shy of approving the measure, which split the vote 50-50, according to the unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board.
But, Tulsa, voted “no” with 54% to 46% of the votes.
By contrast, results revealed that rural voters resoundingly rejected the question by large margins, with some counties securing up to 85% “no” votes.
The result marked a victory for those against the expansion of marijuana laws in the state and a setback for marijuana legalization proponents.
The citizen-led referendum would have fully legalized possession, purchasing, and consumption of cannabis for adults 21 and up. The state question would have also created a process to expunge, and in some cases, resentence low-level marijuana-related convictions.
Reactions from ‘Yes’ advocates
Cannabis legalization advocates say this initiative was more about passing sensible laws surrounding marijuana than it was about legalizing marijuana for adults.
“This wasn’t about legalizing marijuana. This was about keeping Oklahomans out of the criminal justice system,” ACLU of Oklahoma Executive Director, Ryan Kiesel said at a watch party following the results.
According to a recent analysis by Marijuana Enforcement in Oklahoma, approximately 60,000 Oklahomans have marijuana-related convictions or unexpunged dismissals on their records.
“The heart of this petition really was criminal justice reform,” said Michelle Tilley, executive director of Yes on 820.
“I want everyone who voted ‘yes’ on this petition and everyone that voted ‘no’ to seriously look at how the policies need to be changed in the state and how we can work together to do it,” Tilley said in her speech at the watch party.
Reactions from ‘No’ advocates
On the other hand, the Protect Our Kids No 820 campaign, led by former Gov. Frank Keating, said recreational marijuana would not only be a risk to child safety but it would also encourage foreign and illegal marijuana operations.
Recently-elected Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond weighed in at the end of the evening with a news release.
“I’m proud of Oklahomans for rejecting the expansion of organized crime by defeating State Question 820. Regardless of where one stands on the question of marijuana legalization, the stark reality is that organized crime from China and Mexico has infiltrated Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry,” Drummond said. “I will continue to focus on this serious threat to public safety by targeting the illegal grow operations throughout the state.”
In 2018, Oklahomans legalized medical marijuana with State Question 788 with over 56% “yes” votes. Currently, the state has one of the most lenient medical marijuana programs in the nation. Nearly 10 percent of Oklahoma’s population has a medical marijuana license, more than any other state.
Election results are still subject to some changes and are not considered final until they’re certified by the appropriate election board. Results will be certified no later than Friday, March 10, according to the State Election Board.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.
