Medical Marijuana Issue Draws Closer To November Vote

The proposal to bring the medical marijuana issue to voters passed another hurdle on Tuesday, when Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge announced his office has completed the counting of signatures on petitions to bring Oklahoma State Question 788 to a vote of the people.

According to a press release from the Secretary of States office, petitions in favor of Question 788 received a total of 67,761 verifiable signatures; a total of 65,987 is required to put an initiative on the November ballot. The number required is 8% of the total ballots cast in the 2014 Gubernatorial Election.

State Question 788 would amend the already existing Oklahoma State Public Health and Safety Statute Title 63.

Next step for the initiative is the announcement to media outlets and other public outlets, so that any member of the public can challenge the signatures on the petitions or the proposed ballot title. The public would have 10 business days to issue a challenge. The Oklahoma Attorney General's office has 5 business day to challenge the initiative's intended ballot title.

Another hurdle to be cleared prior to inclusion on the November ballot is the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Law required the Secretary of State's office submit a report of its findings to the court. The Supreme Court would then determine whether or not the number of signatures counted is sufficient for the initiative to be placed on the ballot.

One State Question 788 clears these hurdles, it can be included on the November ballot. There are currently seven questions that have passed these steps and will be included on the ballot in November.