An initiative to legalize cannabis for those 21+, while protecting them from being penalized for legal marijuana use in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare and firearm ownership, has been filed in Oklahoma, with proponents aiming for a 2026 public vote.
Filed with the secretary of state by the group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), the initiative—State Question 837—would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for personal use. Individuals could also legally possess the marijuana harvested from those plants and up to one ounce of concentrates.
In a social media post, ORCA said: “I’m happy to announce that we have filed State Question 837. I’ll talk about the process and what to expect this week. Let everyone know, that it will be at least 120 days before we can gather signatures. We’ll be organizing between now and then. The portal to join the effort is opening soon. Will also soon announce a press conference date for next week. Our community and industry has a lot to talk to our fellow Oklahomans about. Time to set the record straight!”
The measure includes language that would shield adults from being penalized for legal marijuana activity in a wide range of areas, including public assistance, parental rights, educational opportunities, and driving privileges. Licensed activities such as firearm ownership would also be protected.
Another notable provision would prohibit state penalties against banks that service state-licensed marijuana businesses.
The proposal includes a 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana sales. Tax revenue would be distributed with 40 percent going to the state’s general fund, 30% to county governments, and 30% to municipal governments where sales take place. In areas not within city limits, the split would be 50/50 between the state and counties.
To qualify for the 2026 general election ballot, ORCA will need to gather at least 172,993 valid signatures during a 90-day window that will begin once it’s approved for circulation by the secretary of state.
For the initiative’s full text, click here.
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