Oklahoma State Question 820 Defeated in Landslide Vote

Oklahoma State Question 820, which aimed to legalize recreational cannabis in the state, was defeated in a special election held on March 7, 2023. The measure, which would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of cannabis for recreational purposes, was opposed by 63% of voters, while only 37% voted in favor of it.

The defeat of SQ 820 means that Oklahoma will continue to allow the use of medical cannabis, which was legalized in 2018, but recreational cannabis will remain illegal in the state. Supporters of the measure argued that legalization would have generated significant tax revenue for the state and helped to reduce arrests and incarcerations related to cannabis. However, opponents raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of legalization, including increased drug use among youth and impaired driving.

Despite the defeat of SQ 820, the medical cannabis industry in Oklahoma is still thriving. Since the passage of the state's medical cannabis law, Oklahoma has become one of the fastest-growing markets for medical cannabis in the country. As of March 2023, there were over 300,000 registered medical cannabis patients in Oklahoma, and the industry is expected to generate over $1 billion in annual revenue by 2025.

In summary, Oklahoma State Question 820 was defeated in a landslide vote on March 7, 2023, meaning that recreational cannabis will remain illegal in the state. However, the medical cannabis industry in Oklahoma is still booming, and the defeat of SQ 820 does not affect the existing medical cannabis program. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the legal landscape of cannabis in Oklahoma and other states changes in the coming years.

Visit one of Vice Farms' dispensaries located throughout Oklahoma to experience the benefits of medical cannabis. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right products for your needs, whether you're a first-time patient or an experienced cannabis user. We are committed to providing high-quality cannabis products and excellent customer service to help our patients achieve their health and wellness goals. Come see us today and discover the many benefits of medical cannabis for yourself.