| Toke of the Town. |
Pro-medical marijuana organization, Oklahomans for Health is kicking off their petition drive today at the state capitol in Oklahoma City.
Chip Paul, spokesman for the group, says they need to gather 160,000 signatures to get their proposal on the ballot. In order to do that, Paul says they’ll also need to raise some coin.
“We need everyone’s help with this effort to make this successful,” Paul told KFOR in Oklahoma City. “We need to gather 160,000 signatures and have to raise a significant amount of money.”
If passed, the measure – which has the okay from the Oklahoma Attorney General – would allow physicians to recommend medical cannabis for one or more of 37 qualifying medical conditions including cancer, severe nausea and HIV/Aids. The plan would also legalize the sale of cannabis at licensed shops.
The initiative has the support of state Sen. Connie Johnson, who praised the effort in a press release this week.
“I am excited about the roll out of the Oklahomans for Health medical marijuana initiative petition as yet another opportunity to have the conversations about marijuana policy reform that many Oklahomans are ready and wanting to have,” Johnson said.
Interested in helping? Contact Oklahomans for Health directly.
Marijuana possession of any amount can result in up to a year in jail on first offense. Repeat offenders caught with any amount face felony charges and up to ten years in jail. Those caught selling marijuana – any amount – also face up to life in prison. Even paraphernalia possession is a serious crime in Oklahoma, with up to a year in jail and $10,000 in fines.