Oklahoma marijuana bill fails in Senate ahead of ballot vote

Oklahoma lawmakers have changed their minds and decided to no longer pursue a recently proposed medical marijuana bill. The decision comes after the approval for Ballot Question 788 to be available for voters in June. If voters say YES to question 788 then it would legalize a medical marijuana program in the state much more diverse than the limited program proposed on the Senate legislation. If passed, qualifying adults over 18 would be able to get a prescription from their doctor and then register for a medical card through the Oklahoma State Department of Health for $100. Once approved patients will be able to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis, and grow up to six mature plants and six seedlings at home. Lawmakers were concerned about the confusion that would erupt if both the Senate bill and the ballot question passed, so they put change in the hands of voters. 

Under the state question, a person 18 years or older would need to apply for a medical marijuana license with the Oklahoma State Department of Health after receiving a note from their doctor. If approved, the patient would then have to pay $100 to obtain that license.

Patients would be allowed to legally possess up to 3 ounces of the drug, six mature plants and six seedlings.