Oklahoma Watch-Out: The Marijuana Question

Oklahoma Watch will host a public forum previewing what could be one of the most controversial issues on a statewide ballot next year: State Question 788, which would legalize medical marijuana. The featured panelists will include Chip Paul co-founder of Oklahomans for Health; Dr. Kevin Taubman, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association; and State Rep. John Paul Jordan, who is drafting legislation related to medical marijuana should the question pass. The Oklahoma Watch-Out forum, titled “The Marijuana Question” is free and open to the public and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Central Center at Centennial Park, 1028 E. 6th Street in Tulsa. Oklahoma Watch Executive Editor David Fritze will moderate the discussion, and audience questions will be allowed. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register on Eventbrite. SQ 788 would legalize the licensed cultivation, use and possession of marijuana for medical purposes. To obtain a license, a patient would need to get a signature from a board-certified physician, and then could possess up to three ounces of marijuana on their person and eight ounces of marijuana at home. The law would require no specific conditions to receive medical marijuana from a doctor. Licenses also would be required for dispensaries and growing and processing operations. A 7 percent tax would be levied on marijuana sales. Medical marijuana is now legal in 29 other states and the District of Columbia. The the measures have passed by a wide margin voters or legislators in some states. Advocates say medical marijuana would benefit Oklahomans who suffer from a wide range of illnesses, including epilepsy, Crohn’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and post-traumatic stress disorder. Opponents say not enough research has been done to prove that marijuana is effective as a medicine, and suggest proponents’ ultimate goal is to legalize pot for recreational use. SQ 788 will appear on the Nov. 6, 2018, general-election ballot unless Gov. Mary Fallin places it on the June 26 primary ballot. About Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that produces in-depth and investigative journalism on public-policy issues facing the state. Oklahoma Watch-Outs are a way to restore civil discourse and civic engagement in our state by connecting the general public to public officials, asking meaningful and sometimes difficult questions, holding leaders accountable and uncovering solutions to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.oklahomawatch.org. Event Series Sponsors: BancFirst Keller Williams Realty