This is why it needs to be rescheduled before Obama leaves office. If a Republican gets in, I won't be surprised if the days of legal weed in Colorado and other states are over. The GOP is all for states rights on their issues (like gay marriage) but they throw a fit if a state wants to do something like legalize marijuana.

The sad and pathetic irony of it all.

I don't suspect we'll see this scenario done within one year's time, however, it wouldn't surprise me if Obama does happen to execute an executive order of some sort in order to establish a "legacy" parting memento.

So, maybe there is hope.

This is why it needs to be rescheduled before Obama leaves office. If a Republican gets in, I won't be surprised if the days of legal weed in Colorado and other states are over. The GOP is all for states rights on their issues (like gay marriage) but they throw a fit if a state wants to do something like legalize marijuana.

To be fair, are you in favor of eliminating the FDA?

You're preaching to the choir. When I was 19, I was busted with probably no more than a gram of marijuana and slapped with a misdemeanor, resulting in a 6 month revocation of my drivers license. The guy that was driving was arrested as well, but the small town cops helped him out since when searching his car, they found a Bible under his seat, and as they told him, they "know it won't happen again." But my own heavy metal aesthetic and pagan/Satanic themed jewelry damned me to the ill wishes of Barney Fife, and half a year of getting rides to and from work, as well as DUI classes and the cost of reinstatement.

Digressing, it's absolutely absurd to ruin people's lives because they want to burn a plant for its relatively safe and brief intoxicating effects.

And yes, possession is a misdemeanor the first time, but I think subsequent arrests result in felony charges.

Never give consent to a cop to search your car, if you're carrying something illegal. If you refuse and cop searches anyway, that will be your best defense. Also don't tremble when you talk, or act worried or scared after a cop stops you. Then maybe the worst the cop will want to do to you is just give you a ticket.

Yes, a second marijuana possession charge and repeated charges is a felony.

So for those who follow these trends, what state bordering Oklahoma do you think will be the first to legalize marijuana. In my own prediction, marijuana prohibition will be like tattoos and 3.2 beer in Oklahoma and will remain on the books long after most of the rest of the nation has done away with it. However, I would be shocked if one of the border states did not legalize it within the next 15 years. My bet is on Missouri. New Mexico might beat them to the punch, but the border they share with Oklahoma is about as minuscule as the border between Oklahoma and Colorado.

Arkansas is very similar to Oklahoma politically so I can't see it happening there. They voted down medical marijuana back in 2012 by a pretty hefty margin. Texas might do it but there would be a lot of resistance from the rural areas and smaller cities there. The influx of latinos and millennials might make it happen as the state becomes more purple, much like in Colorado.

Another question is what will happen with Oklahoma's marijuana possession laws as more states legalize it? My guess is penalties, which currently are among the strictest in the nation, will start being reduced long before legalization ever happens here.

Thoughts?

A vote to decriminalize marijuana needs to come before the Oklahoma Legislature in 2016 to see if it's ready to do it. But that won't happen, if either the senate or house leader, or both, won't allow it to come up for a vote. I think Rep. Cory Williams wants to offer a bill that will decriminalize.

Concerning Arkansas, it really almost passed medical marijuana in 2012, losing by around 2%. While not a neighboring state, it was South Dakota that turned down medical marijuana by a significant amount.

Yes, Missouri and New Mexico are good bets for next neighboring states to repeal anti-marijuana laws. As was the case with gay marriage, it might require a high court order to make Oklahoma repeal it's anti-marijuana laws sooner or later. I can't see how that would happen, since Oklahoma's ban on alcohol was never declared unconstitutional. Perhaps its punishment for breaking anti-marijuana laws could be declared cruel and unusual punishment. Unusual how a businessman can legally make a living in Colorado selling marijuana, but would be told in Oklahoma he's looking for as much as getting life in prison.

This is why it needs to be rescheduled before Obama leaves office. If a Republican gets in, I won't be surprised if the days of legal weed in Colorado and other states are over. The GOP is all for states rights on their issues (like gay marriage) but they throw a fit if a state wants to do something like legalize marijuana.
I'm not sure about that since Bush, while he had a Republican Congress, didn't want to do much of anything to stop states from legalizing medical marijuana. There's now more bipartisan support for marijuana than when Bush was president. I suppose they could decide only to keep medical legal, but not rec.

I'm going to email my legislators tonight endorsing medical marijuana legalization (for starters). It's time to start pressing the people we elect to make these, in my mind, necessary changes.
The folks who've been handling the booths around Tulsa have vanished over the past week, I haven't seen them anywhere. They've either moved to entirely different areas or have given up now that it's December and we're lacking 80,000~ signatures.

Die hard GTV President Issac Caviness has been at it on some busy Tulsa street corner this week during the evenings.

In Stillwater, since starting in late October, I've obtained nearly 500 signatures. Focusing only on OSU this week, since it's pre-finals week. Even an OSU cop on a bike signed. I'm disappointed by the lack of state wide signatures coming in, but will continue getting them for a while longer. If fewer people are still turning in signatures, it ups the chance I'll win a prize. I suspect lack of knowledge that there is a medical marijuana petition out, leading to lack of volunteers helps explain the low numbers coming in.

The raiding of pipe shops continues even though some of them have be illegal and they had to give back seized money and merchandise. I can understand the fight against synthetic pot but these raids that take other things and find no synthetic grass dont seem to be working out in the authorities favor. This latest one is in Norman.

Norman police raid pipe shop, seize items, owner says | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/article/5465011)

I think the push is still going, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a sharp uptick over the next 1-2 weeks, but I'm pretty sure if Bunty's numbers are accurate, then this isn't going to see the ballot next year.

Nonetheless, we should keep moving forward with it and definitely be contacting our legislators.

By the way, if I hear back from any of them, I'll probably post their response back so we can see how some of them are thinking.

It still blows my mind that people think cannabis should be sold in the black market.

Isaac Caviness with his Human Rights Award. It was received Thursday morning in the Oklahoma State Capitol. He is president of Green the Vote OK. The issue of legalizing medical marijuana in Oklahoma is a human rights issue!

His nomination: To Reaffirm Faith: Taking Part in Government (http://www.una-okc.blogspot.com/2015/12/taking-part-in-government.html)

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12359904_478758392306770_6977727792163187719_n.jpg ?oh=db22555612e3b09345e40b0aa8621801&oe=57226134

Have you seen this?

Congress quietly ends federal government's ban on medical marijuana - LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-medical-pot-20141216-story.html)

During his weekly preaching to the choir, Caveniss says the office has on hand 50,323 signatures as of Sunday. If only, it was just over 100,000, I think it would have encouraged new people to come out for signatures, hoping they could make a difference as well as Oklahoma state history.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y01aj8bgijw&feature=youtu.be

Meanwhile, this development concerning AG Pruitt's marijuana related lawsuit:

Obama Administration Asks High Court To Reject Colorado Marijuana Case

President Barack Obama's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to throw out a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma and Nebraska seeking to block Colorado's voter-approved law legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults.

In their challenge to Colorado's law, filed in December 2014, Nebraska and Oklahoma said marijuana is being smuggled across their borders and that drugs threaten the health and safety of children.

Nebraska and Oklahoma noted that marijuana remains illegal under federal law and said Colorado has created "a dangerous gap" in the federal drug control system.

Oklahoma and Nebraska's lawsuit was filed under a rarely used Supreme Court process, known as "original jurisdiction," in which the justices hear disputes between states that have not first been handled by lower courts.

U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli said in court papers filed on Wednesday that the case was not the type of dispute the court would normally hear.

"Entertaining the type of dispute here - essentially that one state's laws make it more likely that third parties will violate federal and state law in another state - would represent a substantial and unwarranted expansion of this court's original jurisdiction," Verrilli said.

The Obama administration has allowed states to experiment with marijuana legalization even though the drug remains illegal under federal law.

Colorado voters legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012. Washington state also voted the same year to legalize recreational marijuana use by adults. Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia followed suit in 2014.

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-adminis...908.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory&soc_trk=fb

Pruitt Plans To Press On With Lawsuit Against Colorado Over Pot Laws | KGOU (http://kgou.org/post/pruitt-plans-press-lawsuit-against-colorado-over-pot-laws#stream/0)

It's because of stuff like this that I will be surprised if there is legal marijuana in Oklahoma any time sooner than 2050.

Hopefully this backfires and leads the federal government to reschedule cannabis.

Pruitt Plans To Press On With Lawsuit Against Colorado Over Pot Laws | KGOU (http://kgou.org/post/pruitt-plans-press-lawsuit-against-colorado-over-pot-laws#stream/0)

It's because of stuff like this that I will be surprised if there is legal marijuana in Oklahoma any time sooner than 2050.

Hopefully, this backfires and leads the federal government to reschedule cannabis.
It would have to further backfire in that direction, since Oklahoma has a drug schedule as well.

Oklahoma was able to get an initiative on the ballot through a petition drive to vote on banning cockfighting in 2002. It was approved. The petition got 100,000 signatures, well more than required. The current Oklahoma medical marijuana petition doesn't have much over 50,000 signatures. What a pity how in this state people seem to have more passion for fighting roosters than sick people who need medical marijuana.

Meanwhile, might as will hope the Oklahoma legislature will perform a miracle in next session, and pass a bill to decriminalize marijuana, meaning just a ticket and no arrest when found to be in possession of small amount of marijuana. If that doesn't come about, then activist might as well try a petition that would do the same thing, especially, if that is a statue change rather than a state constitutional change. Then only around 62,000 signatures are required, rather than 124,000.

It would have to further backfire in that direction, since Oklahoma has a drug schedule as well.

Oklahoma was able to get an initiative on the ballot through a petition drive to vote on banning cockfighting in 2002. It was approved. The petition got 100,000 signatures, well more than required. The current Oklahoma medical marijuana petition doesn't have much over 50,000 signatures. What a pity how in this state people seem to have more passion for fighting roosters than sick people who need medical marijuana.

Meanwhile, might as will hope the Oklahoma legislature will perform a miracle in next session, and pass a bill to decriminalize marijuana, meaning just a ticket and no arrest when found to be in possession of small amount of marijuana. If that doesn't come about, then activist might as well try a petition that would do the same thing, especially, if that is a statue change rather than a state constitutional change. Then only around 62,000 signatures are required, rather than 124,000.

Decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana would be a step in the right direction. North Carolina did this and it was very beneficial as it allowed the state DEA to focus on cartels and dealers rather than users who just want to smoke a joint.

If Oklahoma legislators were rational, they would do the same thing. However, I feel their opposition to marijuana is more driven by their desire to enforce a moral code than it is fighting cartels and reducing crime. They want to go after the users.

Green the Vote down, but not out | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KTUL (http://ktul.com/news/local/green-the-vote-down-but-not-out)

I sent my final mail in signatures to them on Wednesday, which amounted to 60. Among them signing was a woman who said her child has had seizures since age two, a man whose arm was shaking from Parkinson's disease and a woman who said she wished her father had legal access to medical marijuana when he was dying from cancer. It's a pity how it seems there are a lot of people out there who support legalizing medical marijuana, but a shortage of hard core volunteers each willing to gather hundreds of signatures in three months.

While it's a mighty tall order, hopefully, legislators during the next session will do something about legalizing full medical marijuana. Because I don't see how any further petitioning efforts will succeed unless one is backed with at least $500,000 to pay signature takers with another $500,000 available at midway to raise the pay, if rate of signatures coming in is too slow. It cost $900,000 to get enough signatures to vote on legalizing rec marijuana in Oregon, which passed.

All we need to do is press about how marijuana will help with taxes to fund what's necessary in the state. Or at least provide a cushion to the budget.

Also, if anyone would like to contact Scott Pruitt's office, here's the info: https://www.ok.gov/oag/Contact_the_AG/index.html

Don't be afraid. These are our elected officials. Usually a call and a VM (if you call after hours or on the weekend), AND an email will ensure that your concerns are at least read/heard by the aides. If enough of us get through, eventually we can pressure and let them know how important this is to the liberty of the citizens of this state. For health reasons, recreational reasons, and the simple fact that marijuana simply isn't as bad as it's been said over the decades.

So again, contact your legislators and contact the AG. Then, encourage at least one other person you know outside of this forum to do so, and tell them to pass it along as well. The more people we have talking about this, the more pressure they will feel. Just try.

This teenage kid would rather be illegally alive than legally dead: Teen Treats Crohn?s Disease With Cannabis And Gets His Life Back | Drugs and Usage (http://drugsandusage.com/teen-treats-crohns-disease-with-cannabis-and-gets-his-life-back/)

Mother frustrated over failure to place medical marijuana on ballot | Red Dirt Report (http://www.reddirtreport.com/red-dirt-news/mother-frustrated-over-failure-place-medical-marijuana-ballot)

Oklahoma AG bemoans Colorado pot in US Supreme Court filing | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-ag-bemoans-colorado-pot-in-us-supreme-court-filing/article/5470972)

Once again, the AG's office:

https://www.ok.gov/oag/Contact_the_AG/index.html

Perhaps with enough public backlash, we can turn tides. It is possible…

Oklahoma AG bemoans Colorado pot in US Supreme Court filing | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-ag-bemoans-colorado-pot-in-us-supreme-court-filing/article/5470972)

Once again, the AG's office:

https://www.ok.gov/oag/Contact_the_AG/index.html

Perhaps with enough public backlash, we can turn tides. It is possible…
It would be nice if some Oklahoma legislator would call him out on it, but then 2016 is an election year.

One idea for a backlash is to get a petition going to vote on decriminalizing marijuana. If I'm right, it would require a statutory change, rather than a constitutional one, so only 64,000 signatures would be necessary. Decriminalizing would mean only getting a ticket, never an arrest when found in possession of a small amount. If it's made clear, it's not really full legalization, like in Colorado, enough people would sign it. One downside, if passed, the legislature would have the right to modify or abolish it.

Makes you wonder why our two advocacy groups haven't pursued that method, because reading through your post, some things strike a bell with me... I think you're right on the process, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, I posted this in the other thread pertaining to the AG:

Oklahoma, Nebraska AGs liken Colorado to 'drug cartel' over pot | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-nebraska-ags-liken-colorado-to-drug-cartel-over-pot/article/5471015)

Ok, it's time to rally. I've had enough of this nonsense.
Please get to your emails and/or phone and contact his office and request that the Attorney General's Office of Oklahoma stand down on his lawsuit against the State of Colorado. Your reasons (if they ask), can and should include STATES RIGHTS, public money spent on an unpopular lawsuit, and the fact that the substance his office is rallying against is far less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. Among other reasons.

Then, kindly ask a friend, co-worker, or relative who you think is in agreement and ask them to contact the AG's office.

Oh, and open this up on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Ironic that Pruitt likens Colorado to a drug cartel. Because if Colorado didnt legalize it, the real drug cartels would be the ones to profit. Oh, and the fact that the weed "problem" wouldnt go away.

The Oklahoman thinks medical marijuana supporters ?are wasting their time? | The Lost Ogle (http://www.thelostogle.com/2016/01/11/the-oklahoman-thinks-medical-marijuana-supporters-are-wasting-are-wasting-their-time/)

Do you guys think legal recreational MJ in this state would interest the agricultural side of the state? In other words, if a lot of our crop farmers are struggling selling soybeans and sorghum (just examples - I have no idea what they grow here), get them interested in farming MJ instead.

I applaud you guys who are going door to door and getting signatures for petitions, but that's working your way from the bottom up. It seems like if you could get an entire state industry behind it, then it would be a matter of time before things got rolling.

The other suggestion would be to frame legalization into a "state's rights" issue rather than a "my body my way" issue.

Legalize it, tax it 25% like CO, and then fix the state's budget problems real quick. Soon enough OKC becomes the next Denver. (and then I can sell my house at 3x current market value and go buy a mansion in Georgia!)

The Oklahoman thinks medical marijuana supporters ?are wasting their time? | The Lost Ogle (http://www.thelostogle.com/2016/01/11/the-oklahoman-thinks-medical-marijuana-supporters-are-wasting-are-wasting-their-time/)

The article failed to point out what a remarkable feat it was in Oklahoma for the medical marijuana petition to get just over 70,000 signatures without using paid signature takers.

Meantime, Massachusetts also got over 70,000 signatures on a petition and they are ready to move on to the next step that won't necessarily require a voter initiative for final approval. It is to legalize rec marijuana. Their petition process is a much better deal for the citizens than Oklahoma's: Homegrown: Massachusetts certifies petition by Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, moving measure closer to statewide ballot vote | masslive.com (http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/12/marijuana.html)

Good for Mass! Sadly, I think almost any state's petition process is better than OK's, we've made national news on how horrible ours is ("one of the worst" is how I believe it's stated). When I think of how little progress our state's politics and political process has made since 1995, it's so depressing (it might've actually *re*gressed).

Good for Mass! Sadly, I think almost any state's petition process is better than OK's, we've made national news on how horrible ours is ("one of the worst" is how I believe it's stated). When I think of how little progress our state's politics and political process has made since 1995, it's so depressing (it might've actually *re*gressed).

Meh, I'd had a hard time considering ours one of the worst. From a percentage of Governor votes standpoint, we're slightly higher than average (8% for Oklahoma while the average is like 7.5%), but there are multiple states with 8%, and some with 10% and 12%, and even 15% required for signatures. We're also in the minority of states that allow petition driven initiatives. I've got to think having any petition process is better than states that allow legislative initiatives only.

Meh, I'd had a hard time considering ours one of the worst. From a percentage of Governor votes standpoint, we're slightly higher than average (8% for Oklahoma while the average is like 7.5%), but there are multiple states with 8%, and some with 10% and 12%, and even 15% required for signatures. We're also in the minority of states that allow petition driven initiatives. I've got to think having any petition process is better than states that allow legislative initiatives only.

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22one+of+the+worst%22+ballot+access+okla homa&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Apparently, though, we're not one of the worst now, due to the recent bills that passed, so we have actually gotten better (wow, who woulda thunk it?).

Well, most of those results look to be about political party access and such... when it comes to petition access/process I don't think we're even in the bottom 25 (or 35 at that).

Well, most of those results look to be about political party access and such... when it comes to petition access/process I don't think we're even in the bottom 25 (or 35 at that).

OK, here's some more specific links about putting questions on the ballot, amending the constitution, etc. Not one of the worst, but still bad, or at least used to be. Moot point, probably, due to the changes.

Initiative Petitions | Oklahomans For Ballot Access Reform (http://okvoterchoice.org/tag/initiative-petitions/)

Criticism Ignites Over "Impossible" Oklahoma Petition Demands - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/26867019/criticism-ignites-over-impossible-oklahoma-petition-demands)

Oklahoma initiative petition process needs to change | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/5359841)

Well, most of those results look to be about political party access and such.

YES. The Oklahoma Libertarian Party now has enough signatures collected to get on the ballot. They are using the time they have left before tuning in signatures to pad the total to make up for bad ones.

OK, here's some more specific links about putting questions on the ballot, amending the constitution, etc. Not one of the worst, but still bad, or at least used to be. Moot point, probably, due to the changes.

Initiative Petitions | Oklahomans For Ballot Access Reform (http://okvoterchoice.org/tag/initiative-petitions/)

Criticism Ignites Over "Impossible" Oklahoma Petition Demands - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/26867019/criticism-ignites-over-impossible-oklahoma-petition-demands)

Oklahoma initiative petition process needs to change | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/5359841)
Oklahomans For Health are pondering a new strategy by putting two petitions out at once this spring. One would make legalizing medical marijuana as a new state statute, so would only require getting 64,000 signatures. I think that would be very doable. The other petition would ease requirements of a petition, such as extending the deadline to 1 year.

Oklahomans For Health are pondering a new strategy by putting two petitions out at once this spring. One would make legalizing medical marijuana as a new state statute, so would only require getting 64,000 signatures. I think that would be very doable. The other petition would ease requirements of a petition, such as extending the deadline to 1 year.

That's a good idea, the time limit to gather signatures is, I think, the one big thing that's keeping petitions from being successful - 90 days, while some states have waaaaay longer than that.

YES. The Oklahoma Libertarian Party now has enough signatures collected to get on the ballot. They are using the time they have left before tuning in signatures to pad the total to make up for bad ones.

I've always sort of wondered, from an organizational standpoint, if there's a way to address this better on the front end. Yes, lower requirements make it easier to hit the goals even with "bad" signatures. I'm just always shocked how many bad signatures petitions end up with. Are people intentionally screwing with the petitioners, or is it a matter of legibility or following directions while collecting information?

Not getting into the politics of this, but I was in Oregon this week and dispensaries were EVERYWHERE. I was in Colorado right after it became (state) legal, but the dispensaries were still converting from medical-only and not up to speed. Oregon seems much further along for a place that only recently legalized recreational use; probably because they were more prepared than Colorado was at the time it passed there.

Anyway - and for the record I don't smoke or otherwise consume pot, haven't in decades nor do I plan to - but I did go into a dispensary out of curiosity. It was a pretty fascinating visit. The relative I was visiting does consume, so I watched his transaction.

First of all, the aroma of the place was overwhelmingly pungent. As in, I could smell it strongly outside in the sidewalk.

Second, the anteroom was crowded with people waiting to go into the actual store. They asked if you had a medical card, and if you did you were given immediate access. If you were a recreational user, you waited your turn to go in. At least in this location, this was so that they could keep down the number of people inside so that it didn't become stressful. The lady in the lobby explained that a number of medical users suffer from PTSD or similar afflictions, and that they wanted to keep a low-key environment out of respect for them.

When we finally got inside, it was pretty crazy to see so much weed. It was all kept in locking top sealed jars, inside of glass display counters. The people behind the counter were pretty knowledgeable regarding potency, effects, etc.. I was surprised by how specialized each variety was. They would open jars and set them on counters, where you could inspect, pick up the jar, sniff. They were even cool with me photographing it, which I did. You could not touch the actual product, however, so as to not contaminate it.

I didn't pay too much attention to prices, etc., as mostly I was just interested in how the whole thing worked, and since I wasn't buying anything.

They had a few edibles in a cooler, but they were only for medical users. I got the impression that this was mostly due to lack of of availability owing to just recently passing recreational use. From what I've heard the edibles in Colorado are super-plentiful and varied.

Anyway, the whole thing was interesting.

YES. The Oklahoma Libertarian Party now has enough signatures collected to get on the ballot. They are using the time they have left before tuning in signatures to pad the total to make up for bad ones.

Funny, I tried checking in on this a couple months ago and swear I couldn't find any updates on this.
I was going to sign the Libertarian AND Green parties ballots but never once saw or heard of where they were. Unless it was all online (is that legal for a petition like this?).

Also, I got to thinking about this next upcoming petition drive and something that concerned me.
At what point will people become fatigued and say "ah, heck, they've been trying this for a couple years now, they'll never get enough signatures"?? I fear this is a totally possible scenario given the overall lack of awareness people have in this state.

Can we hope third time will be a charm?

Oh and I mentioned a while back that I had contacted my rep and sen regarding marijuana legalization and didn't.hear.one.word.back.

I also emailed Pruitt requesting him to stand down on his lawsuits. I requested a response and never received one. Go figure.

Funny, I tried checking in on this a couple months ago and swear I couldn't find any updates on this.
I was going to sign the Libertarian AND Green parties ballots but never once saw or heard of where they were. Unless it was all online (is that legal for a petition like this?).

Also, I got to thinking about this next upcoming petition drive and something that concerned me.
At what point will people become fatigued and say "ah, heck, they've been trying this for a couple years now, they'll never get enough signatures"?? I fear this is a totally possible scenario given the overall lack of awareness people have in this state.

Can we hope third time will be a charm?

Oh and I mentioned a while back that I had contacted my rep and sen regarding marijuana legalization and didn't.hear.one.word.back.

I also emailed Pruitt requesting him to stand down on his lawsuits. I requested a response and never received one. Go figure.

Here's the info about the Libertarian Party petition - Libertarian Party of Oklahoma (http://oklahomalp.org/)

I think the medical marijuana one is at http://greenthevote.org (or greenthevoteok.org)

And yeah, I've been contacting my senator and rep (and AG) about all the stupid bills that've been proposed (and the AG's idiot lawsuit), heard the same as you - crickets.......................

Here's the info about the Libertarian Party petition - Libertarian Party of Oklahoma (http://oklahomalp.org/)

I think the medical marijuana one is at http://greenthevote.org (or greenthevoteok.org)

And yeah, I've been contacting my senator and rep (and AG) about all the stupid bills that've been proposed (and the AG's idiot lawsuit), heard the same as you - crickets.......................

Green the Vote is now out of it for the time being as far as another petition, following their failure to get enough signatures to vote on legalizing medical marijuana as of late December. Oklahomans For Health with the Oklahoma Cannabis Coalition will step back up to the plate when they will soon submit a new petition for medical marijuana. They will be holding their 2nd meeting to further discuss plans on Feb. 13 in Stillwater at the Payne County Democrats HQ at 302 N. Main from 3 to 6pm. The first meeting was held last month at Will Rogers Park in OKC. Former State Sen. Connie Johnson, former State Rep. Joe Dorman, Green the Vote President Isaac Caviness, and close to 75 activists attended that meeting.

The strategy for success with the upcoming new medical marijuana petition is to go for a statute creation, since only around 62,000 signatures are required. The hiring of paid signature takers is not currently planned. Two previous medical marijuana petitions gathered 70,000 and 75,000 signatures without a great deal of funding, so it should be doable. But getting up to 86,000 signatures for padding will be the goal.

https://www.oklahomansforhealth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/576675565818180/

Get on the phones, emails, etc. etc. etc.

HB 2835 by Rep. Echols:

"HB 2835 removes the age restriction on the use of cannabidiol to allow a person of any age who is participating in a clinical trial for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy or who have received a written certification from a physician that the person has been diagnosed with certain conditions not adequately treated by traditional medical therapies. The measure includes Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or post-traumatic stress disorder as conditions which may use this treatment option."

Bill Information (http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB2835)

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HB 2251 by Rep. Renegar

"An Act relating to public health and safety; amending 63 O.S. 2011, Section 2-101, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 203, O.S.L. 2015 (63 O.S. Supp. 2015, Section 2-101), which relates to definitions of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; modifying certain definition; adding definition; amending Sections 3 and 4, Chapter 203, O.S.L. 2015 (63 O.S. Supp. 2015, Sections 2-801 and 2-802), which relate to definitions and clinical trials relating to the use of cannabidiol; modifying certain definition; adding definition; authorizing new drug applications to conduct clinical trials using cannabidiol for certain conditions; and providing an effective date."

Bill Information (http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB2251)

Get on the phones, emails, etc. etc. etc.

HB 2835 by Rep. Echols:

"HB 2835 removes the age restriction on the use of cannabidiol to allow a person of any age who is participating in a clinical trial for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy or who have received a written certification from a physician that the person has been diagnosed with certain conditions not adequately treated by traditional medical therapies. The measure includes Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or post-traumatic stress disorder as conditions which may use this treatment option."

Bill Information (http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB2835)

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In his attempt to practice medicine without a license, I wonder what led Rep. Echols to reason how it had become okay to include adults with Alzheimer’s disease, severe epilepsy, dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder? A young gentleman with Crohn's disease told me his doctor would suggest he try medical marijuana, if it was legal. So from his unlicensed medical wisdom, what does Rep. Echols have against people with Chron's disease using medical marijuana, whether or not it contains no more than .3% THC?

Joe Dorman is openly for it. Group works for legalization of medicinal cannabis | Oklahoma Gazette (http://okgazette.com/2016/02/24/group-works-for-legalization-of-medicinal-cannabis/)

For an update, the medical marijuana petition will be submitted to the Secretary of State on April 12. Joe Dorman will hold a news conference about it then. He was recently made a board member of Oklahomans For Health.

Also Oklahomans For Health will have another petition at the same time. It will reform the petition process in three ways:

1. Lengthen time to get required number of signature from 90 days to 1 year.
2. Allow use of standard sized typing paper for petitions, rather than legal sized paper.
3. Require a 75% majority in the state house and senate to throw out or modify a successfully passed voter initiative.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/934138_589421324555610_7263911538871726836_n.jpg?o h=839d53ac1f7eecf2878ab9162b31eae6&oe=578D9F79

I really hope this passes. I will spread the word!

Ex-Oklahoma legislator spearheads medical marijuana effort | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/Ex-Oklahoma-legislator-spearheads-medical-marijuana-effort/38971658)

Initiative petition to ask Oklahoma voters to legalize medical marijuana in November | News OK (http://newsok.com/initiative-petition-to-ask-oklahoma-voters-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-november/article/5491061)

Green the Vote was pissed because legalizing hemp growing wasn't included on the petition. They are also skeptical about the legislature leaving it alone should it pass. While the group isn't officially endorsing the petition, it doesn't mind if their individual supporters want to get signatures.

O4H didn't want hemp on it due to fear it would violate the more than one subject rule and could invite corporate opposition not wanting hemp legalized.

The actual petition can be read here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/questions/788.pdf

Any media story that says a medical marijuana user must be at least 25 years of age is wrong. All ages are eligible.

Their other petition to loosen petition requirements is here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/questions/787.pdf

I think I already posted one of these, but the other 2 are quite interesting...

7 Facts About Drugs and Addiction That Will Make You Question Everything You Know (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/7-facts-about-drugs-that-will-make-you-question-everything_b_9484744.html)

Why It's Time to Legalize Drugs (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kofi-annan/why-its-time-to-legalize-drugs_b_9298502.html)

Why Is Marijuana Banned? The Real Reasons Are Worse Than You Think (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-influence/real-reasons-marijuana-is-banned_b_9210248.html)

OBN Spokesman, Mark Woodward still sucks big time about the issue: Medical marijuana supporters believe support for legalization high | News | stwnewspress.com (http://www.stwnewspress.com/news/medical-marijuana-supporters-believe-support-for-legalization-high/article_a1a3b361-c569-50d3-a142-35373e3431d0.html)

OBN Spokesman, Mark Woodward still sucks big time about the issue: Medical marijuana supporters believe support for legalization high | News | stwnewspress.com (http://www.stwnewspress.com/news/medical-marijuana-supporters-believe-support-for-legalization-high/article_a1a3b361-c569-50d3-a142-35373e3431d0.html)

Eh, he's not wrong though. No matter how you feel about legalization, if you think that the whole "medical marijuana" push is about helping sick people, and not about progressing to full legalization for recreational use, you're fooling yourself.

Since it's 4/20 this seems appropriate


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKb3qRljGBc

Eh, he's not wrong though. No matter how you feel about legalization, if you think that the whole "medical marijuana" push is about helping sick people, and not about progressing to full legalization for recreational use, you're fooling yourself.

So everybody that wants medical marijuana legalized just wants to get stoned legally and doesn't really care about all the sick people that medical marijuana could (and has) help(ed)?

So everybody that wants medical marijuana legalized just wants to get stoned legally and doesn't really care about all the sick people that medical marijuana could (and has) help(ed)?

Nope, but a large percentage of them and the motivation for much of the push is about recreation.

Now, to be clear, I support (smart) legalization. But we can be honest. Even if you talk to the people involved with the "medical marijuana" push, they'll admit the medical marijuana is just a step towards legalization. The Oklahomans for Health web site has multiple pages arguing the benefits of full legalization.

Eh, he's not wrong though. No matter how you feel about legalization, if you think that the whole "medical marijuana" push is about helping sick people, and not about progressing to full legalization for recreational use, you're fooling yourself.

In effect, Woodward wants rec pot to remained banned, so dope peddlers can continue to enjoy all the profits from sales. Narcs estimate they only seize 10% of the underground drug market. So dope dealers, especially the drug cartels, don't have too much to lose by keeping it banned. Other people think it makes more sense to legalize it, so the state can find a badly needed new source of revenue, such as for education. Who do you think should benefit from sales of marijuana? Drug peddlers or teachers?

Woodward likes to worry about what kids will think if medical marijuana is legalized. But what would kids think when they find out that the government only seizes 10% of the underground drug market. If drugs are really so bad, why doesn't the government do a better job of getting rid of them? It's enough to make you wonder that, if true that kids find it easier to get a joint than cigarettes or alcohol.

So everybody that wants medical marijuana legalized just wants to get stoned legally and doesn't really care about all the sick people that medical marijuana could (and has) help(ed)?

I feel many people feel just that way, while having no idea what a migraine headache is like, and have no difficult to treat chronic medical conditions. I would imagine the agents who work at OBN had to be in excellent health to qualify for the jobs.

In effect, Woodward wants rec pot to remained banned, so dope peddlers can continue to enjoy all the profits from sales. Narcs estimate they only seize 10% of the underground drug market. So dope dealers, especially the drug cartels, don't have too much to lose by keeping it banned. Other people think it makes more sense to legalize it, so the state can find a badly needed new source of revenue, such as for education. Who do you think should benefit from sales of marijuana? Drug peddlers or teachers?

Woodward likes to worry about what kids will think if medical marijuana is legalized. But what would kids think when they find out that the government only seizes 10% of the underground drug market. If drugs are really so bad, why doesn't the government do a better job of getting rid of them? It's enough to make you wonder that, if true that kids find it easier to get a joint than cigarettes or alcohol.

I didn't get any of that from the linked article. He seems to be speaking towards why he thinks less people are signing the petition...



It's not surprising that the number of people signing their name onto such petitions is declining, said Mark Woodward, a spokesman for the state’s Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Woodward said Oklahomans aren’t ready for any sort of legalization beyond the oil, which is strictly regulated and controlled.

The public believes Oklahoma is improving medical access to marijuana without needing to legalize other forms of the drug, he said.

“I think a lot of the public is asking what’s the point of allowing people to smoke, get high,” and then say it’s for medical reasons, he said.

In other states supporters of full legalization, who believe medical access measures help “lower the stigma about marijuana,” have fueled similar campaigns, Woodward said.

“They’re using sick people to push their agenda,” he said. “That’s our concern. They openly admit they want to push the medical issue in order to get it available to those that want to smoke it.”

And like I said, I don't think he's wrong.

I didn't get any of that from the linked article. He seems to be speaking towards why he thinks less people are signing the petition...

And like I said, I don't think he's wrong.

So, maybe, when the push was on in 1959 to legalize alcohol in Oklahoma, opponents were insisting people only wanted it legal in order to get drunk. Maybe an old timer can remember how that went. And probably back then people who really wanted to get drunk had an adequate supplier as is now with people wanting to get high from marijuana.

Probably the last petition had fewer signatures because it had less money to work with than the one in 2014 did. That one had the money to hire a mobile crew that traveled to most of the major small towns to set up a tent. Maybe it should frighten Woodward that the last petition apparently got more signatures for each dollar spent than the previous petition did. If I heard right the last petition spent around $15,000 while the 2014 petition spent $50,000. Activists from other states were amazed Green the Vote's medical marijuana petition, the last one, got as many signatures as it did with so little time and money.