Special Issue: Oklahoma Voters Head to the Polls Tomorrow
Will the smell of legal cannabis soon be sweeping across the plains?
This is a special post for paid subscribers.
What’s happening?
Oklahomans are heading to the polls tomorrow to decide whether or not they’ll become the 22nd state to legalize cannabis for adult use.
Who’s supporting the campaign?
The campaign is led by Yes on 820 – Oklahomans for Sensible Marijuana Laws. They’ve been endorsed by the ACLU, NORML, SSDP, MPP, and the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association. The campaign has raised over $3 million, according to The Frontier. Large donors include the ACLU, the New Approach PAC, the Just Trust for Action, and Drug Policy Action. The largest in-state donor is Tulsa businesswoman Stacy Schusterman.
Who’s against it?
The campaign against the initiative is being chaired by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating. Oklahoma’s current Governor and Attorney General have also come out against SQ820, as have the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association and American Farmers and Ranchers. These Ag groups are claiming that cannabis grows are using up all the water and electricity in rural areas, and also allege that these businesses have brought crime to their communities.
The ‘NO’ campaign hasn’t bothered to create a website. It’s unclear if this a budget issue or part of their strategy to only focus on voters who they know are likely to come out and vote. They’ve spent $218,000 on the campaign so far, according to The Oklahoman.