Oklahoma to Vote on Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis advocates in Oklahoma have finally gathered enough signatures in support of the legalization of cannabis, which means that the issue will be on the ballot for 2018.

According to the Associated Press, Oklahoman Governor Mary Fallin claimed that a date for voting on medical cannabis will be set for some time during the new year. It is ultimately up to her whether the issue will be decided upon during the primary election in June or the general election in November.

Officially known as State Question 788, this measure has the power to allow doctors to recommend patients 25 or older for a state-issued medical cannabis card. If it passes, patients will be allowed to possess up to three ounces of cannabis, as well as six mature plants and six seedlings.

According to Tulsa World, this act will also decriminalize cannabis for those without a medical card. As long as one states a medical condition, and only has an ounce and a half or less on his or her person, the charge is a misdemeanor and a fine of $400.

Medical cards will cost $100, and only $20 for those on a low-income health plan like Medicaid, and will be good for two years in the state. As of now, there are no official qualifying conditions, meaning that doctors will use judgement in every case to determine whether or not to recommend a card.

This measure was first proposed last year, and the number of signatures received is already enough to show that there is serious interest in a medical program in the state. If 2018 sees official medical legalization in Oklahoma, it will become one of the most unique and innovative legalized areas in the country.