In April, Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) proposed a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. ORCA's director, Jed Green, emphasized that the message behind the proposal is clear: marijuana is a plant with a long history, and its prohibition has had negative outcomes.
“This is a plant that we’ve had through recorded history for close to 10,000 years,” Green said. “100 years ago, they took the plant away and gave us drugs. The outcome has not been good.”
The proposed amendment, State Question 837, aims to legalize recreational marijuana while protecting individual rights and freedoms by making it a constitutional measure. Currently, only those with a medical marijuana license can legally purchase and possess marijuana in Oklahoma. The new amendment would broaden access, making marijuana available to all adults over 21.
“This is a freedom and liberty issue for us,” Green stated. “Marijuana is here, it has been here, and it will continue to be here.”
In addition to expanding access, Green highlighted potential benefits such as increased safety regulations for the industry and economic growth for Oklahoma. The state’s existing medical marijuana program has already generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Green believes that a streamlined regulatory framework for recreational marijuana would only further benefit the state financially.
Despite Oklahoma voters rejecting a similar proposal in 2023, Green is optimistic that this new measure is different. He argues that it aligns with the state’s existing medical marijuana system, rather than working against it, making it a smoother transition for the state.
To move forward, the petition for the amendment will need at least 172,993 verified signatures from registered voters. If successful, Green anticipates voters could decide on the proposal as early as June 2026.
The amendment represents a significant step toward legalizing recreational marijuana in Oklahoma, with ORCA pushing for a system that balances individual rights, safety, and economic growth.