Second Challenge Of Oklahoma Recreational Marijuana Petition To Be Heard In January

Recreational marijuana is slowly becoming more of a possibility in Oklahoma.

The recreational petition would allow anyone 21 years old or older to grow, purchase, transport and consume marijuana.

However, there are still a couple of hurdles to overcome. 

Back in October, the non-profit group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action filed a petition to have recreational marijuana put to a vote of the people.

Last month, the petition was challenged by a man in Tulsa, Paul Tay, who came forward to challenge the constitutionality of the language of the petition. 

The second challenge is set to be heard by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in January. 

"After the hearing on Jan. 6th, they will consider both petitions." Green said.

"And will issue a ruling on both of them potentially by late January or early February."

If the court sides with ORCA, the Secretary of State will then give the group 90 days to collect 178 thousand signatures.

After the 90 days, the signatures will be turned in and verified before the governor will decide if it will go on the ballot.

"We feel really good about what we've got going," Jed Green, Director of ORCA, said.

"And we believe that early this year we will be out circulating." 

Along with the petition to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma, ORCA also filed a separate petition that would restructure the state's medical marijuana agency. 

If legalized, the new agency would be created and replace the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Agency.

Green says it would phase out the excess tax that patients currently pay for medical marijuana.

You can read the recreational petition here.

You can read the medical petition here.