Ok’S Medical Marijuana Petitioners Get Stiffed By State

[bobandtorey]

NORMAN, Okla. – For 90 days in the sweltering Oklahoma heat, hundreds of volunteers across the state busted their humps to gather the thousands of signatures necessary to get medical marijuana on the ballot for a November vote. They did it. 

Despite the punishingly small window of time they had to do it, despite a steady stream of harassment from police and city officials, despite sacrificing hours upon hours of valuable free time, despite all the odds stacked against them, they gathered over 67,000 signatures, plenty to achieve their goal, to give Oklahomans a chance to vote to legalize medical marijuana in their state. They triumphantly delivered the signatures before the deadline, gathering final signatures up until the last day. 

One would think that the petitioners have cleared the final hurdle, the finish line is in sight, and now it’s an easy trot to victory, right? WRONG. 

An obstacle blocks the way, in the form of Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt, and his coven of lawyers. You see, the State Question 788’s ballot title was given the Pruitt treatment. 

He rewrote the ballot title to give the impression that SQ 788 legalized marijuana far more broadly than it actually does. 

For comparison, here is the original ballot title proposed by Oklahomans for Health:

“This measure amends the Oklahoma State Statutes. A yes vote legalizes the licensed use, sale, and growth of marijuana in Oklahoma for medicinal purposes. A license is required for use and possession of marijuana for medicinal purposes and must be approved by an Oklahoma Board Certified Physician. The State Department of Health will issue medical marijuana licenses if the application is eighteen years of older an Oklahoma resident. A special exception will be granted to an applicant under the age of eighteen, however these applications must be signed by two physicians and a parent or legal guardian. The Department will also issue seller, grower, packaging, transportation, research and caregiver licenses. Individual and retail businesses must meet minimal requirements to be licensed to sell marijuana to licensees. The punishment for unlicensed possession of permitted amounts of marijuana for individuals who can state a medical condition is a fine not exceeding four hundred dollars. Fees and zoning restrictions are established. A seven percent state tax is imposed on medical marijuana sales.”

And now, Pruitt and Co.’s rewrite:

“This measure legalizes the licensed use, sale, and growth of marijuana in Oklahoma. There are no qualifying medical conditions identified. Possession and use of marijuana is authorized through a medical marijuana license that is valid for two years, rather than by prescription. An Oklahoma board certified physician must recommend the license using the same accepted standards for recommending other medications, and must sign the application for the license. The State Department of Health must issue a license to an applicant who:

• submits a valid application,
• is eighteen years or older, and
• is an Oklahoma resident.

Applications for individuals under eighteen must be signed by two physicians and by a parent or legal guardian. The Department also issues seller, grower, packaging, transportation, research, and recycled paper caregiver licenses to those who meet certain minimal requirements. A 7 percent state tax is imposed on retail sales of marijuana. Unlicensed possession by an individual who claims to have a medical condition is punishable by a fine not exceeding $400. Local government cannot use zoning laws to prevent the opening of a retail marijuana store. This measure does not change federal law, which makes use, sale, and growth of marijuana illegal.”

See the problem here? The rewrite appears deliberately misleading, just look at the very first sentence: “This measure legalizes the licensed use, sale, and growth of marijuana in Oklahoma.” 

No, it doesn’t. It legalizes the licensed, use, sale, and growth of MEDICAL marijuana in Oklahoma. 

Voters at the ballot box will see that first sentence and a siren will go off in their mind as they envision a legion of potheads ushering in a weed-fueled dystopia. They might vote ‘no’ when they would’ve voted ‘yes’ if they’d seen the clarifying ‘medical’ in the sentence. 

Is this what Pruitt intended? Many seem to think so, and good lord, just look at it. 

Whatever Pruitt intended, the effect would be that it would mislead the voting public. This is an outrage, a disservice to the hard work of the petitioners, and also to the many that would benefit from medical marijuana in Oklahoma. 

It’s a cheap shot, a trump card played by the powers that be at the eleventh hour, to thwart a change for the better in this state. 

By mangling the ballot title in such a manner, Pruitt is forcing the hand of the activists, who will now challenge the title before the Supreme Court, further delaying the process to get the ballot up for a vote by November. It has all the symptoms of a scam, and people in this state are losing faith in their ability to effect change when it actually matters. 

This ability of those in power to throw a monkey wrench into the ballot initiative process if the petitioners get far enough lies at the heart of what’s wrong with this disfigured “democracy.” 

But, this too is a sign. It’s a sign that those in power fear change, and are actively attempting to derail it. 

That change won’t include them, and they’re terrified. No matter what happens, the fact that the petitioners gathered the necessary signatures in a window of time designed to be so small that none except the most organized, most dedicated could accomplish it has the power behind the Oklahoma throne shaking. This alone deserves respect.  

 

http://www.reddirtreport.com/prairie-opinions/ok’s-medical-marijuana-petitioners-get-stiffed-state-sq-788-won’t-be-november

[Willy]

Gee just like michigang leaders, must of learned it from them..

[bobandtorey]

Gee just like michigang leaders, must of learned it from them..

 

 

Yup and is why i posted it

 

Thanks

[swamper]

 

people in this state are losing faith in their ability to effect change when it actually matters.

 

This goes for all states on all matters pertaining to our ability to control the very people we employ. The government is getting out of control period!!! Everyone that the voters send to Washington becomes corrupted on some level. They are forced to play the game in order to get anything done, and as soon as they're seen as a "player," they become indoctrinated into the "club," and it's bye, bye campaign promises! I still vote regardless, but every time I vote I feel more and more that this great privilege we have has been reduced to an inside joke!

[Restorium2]

People in the states need to get rid of their Republican governors and you will get rid of their 'Schuettes'. Someone voted for Snyder. If you did it's on you. You know who you are.... 

[bobandtorey]

'Schuettes' Turn next 

 

Can we stop that ?

[phaquetoo]

'Schuettes' Turn next 

 

Can we stop that ?

yes we can,  and he is helping us get rid of his arse!

 

He has to be one of the worst governors we ever had in MI.

 

If I didnt have to vote straight party I would get rid of all incumbents!

 

Peace

[Restorium2]

yes we can,  and he is helping us get rid of his arse!

 

He has to be one of the worst governors we ever had in MI.

 

If I didnt have to vote straight party I would get rid of all incumbents!

 

Peace

So you voted for Snyder because you HAD TO vote straight party? 

[beourbud]

So you voted for Snyder because you HAD TO vote straight party?

 

He is going to have to think about that one for a while.

 

I would imagine it's easier to go through life if you never stop to look into the mirror.

Edited August 31, 2016 by beourbud

[phaquetoo]

 

 

If I didnt have to vote straight party I would get rid of all incumbents!

 

 

[phaquetoo]

He is going to have to think about that one for a while.

 

I would imagine it's easier to go through life if you never stop to look into the mirror.

It freaks me out when I look in the mirror, im like when did I turn into my dad,,,,,when did I get old?

 

I dont have to look in the mirror, I dont have any hair on my head,  I shave in the shower!

 

 

edit= I was busy taking care of my mother for a few, I dont live on here lol!  plus I was reading the link bob put in in the cup thread! 

 

Edited August 31, 2016 by phaquetoo