Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action Submits Proposal for 2026 Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Initiative

Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) have officially filed a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state for the 2026 ballot. The initiative, known as State Question 837, aims to allow adults aged 21 and older to legally possess cannabis and cultivate plants at home while creating a regulated marketplace for licensed operators to grow, manufacture, and sell cannabis products.

State Question 837’s Key Provisions: Legalization, Regulation, and Taxation of Cannabis Products

Under the proposal, individuals would be allowed to possess up to eight ounces of cannabis flower or one ounce of cannabis concentrate. Additionally, adults could legally grow up to 12 plants for personal use and possess the harvested cannabis. The measure establishes a regulated and taxed adult-use cannabis market, introducing a 10% excise tax on adult-use sales while simultaneously removing the state’s current 7% excise tax on medical cannabis.

The initiative comes two years after Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly rejected a similar adult-use legalization initiative, State Question 820, in March 2023. The 62% opposition vote in the previous election was largely driven by concerns about out-of-state interests and the language of the initiative itself. ORCA organizers, Jed Green and Adam Johnson, explained in a recent FAQ that State Question 837’s success is rooted in their understanding of local grassroots efforts and the evolution of the state’s medical marijuana (MMJ) program.

ORCA’s Efforts to Overcome Challenges and Set New Legal Precedents for Cannabis in Oklahoma

ORCA’s new proposal seeks to learn from past challenges. In 2022, ORCA was unable to gather enough signatures for a proposed adult-use legalization measure, and they faced challenges in the Oklahoma Supreme Court regarding the validity of signatures collected. In contrast, State Question 837 seeks to establish clearer regulatory guidelines for cannabis operations in the state, addressing issues like mislabeling and ensuring consumer safety.

Green and other ORCA members also criticized the previous adult-use legalization initiative, State Question 820, for being overly influenced by out-of-state stakeholders and failing to meet Oklahoma’s needs. The new initiative aims to fix the mistakes of the past and create a more stable and accountable market.

Details of State Question 837: Key Features for Cannabis Operators and Consumers

The Oklahoma Responsible Cannabis Act, as outlined in State Question 837, includes provisions aimed at simplifying the integration of the state’s medical cannabis businesses into the adult-use market. Existing medical cannabis business licensees would be permitted to operate in the adult-use market without additional fees or licenses beyond their annual renewal.

State Question 837 also creates provisions to protect Oklahoma businesses in the event of federal cannabis reform. If the federal government allows interstate transport or international export of cannabis, the amendment places a limit on the wholesale tax rate, capping it at no more than 3% on cannabis exports.

Excise Tax Revenue Allocation and Licensing Process under State Question 837

Revenue generated from the 10% excise tax on adult-use cannabis sales would be distributed across various sectors of the state. Forty percent would go to the state’s general revenue fund, while 30% would be allocated to the county where the retail sale occurred, and 30% would be designated for the municipality of the retail location. If sales happen in unincorporated areas, the funds would be split 50% to the state and 50% to the county.

The proposal also outlines an open licensing structure for cannabis businesses. Unlike other states with restrictive caps on licenses, Oklahoma would allow the regulatory authority to issue an unlimited number of licenses, with the first application period beginning three years after the initiative’s passage.

A Growing Movement with Support from Neighboring States and Changing Legislation

As Oklahoma continues its push for adult-use cannabis legalization, the state’s decision is coming at a time when many of its neighboring states—such as Colorado, New Mexico, and Missouri—have already legalized adult-use cannabis. ORCA’s filing for State Question 837 is positioned as part of a broader trend in regional cannabis reform.

However, ORCA faces challenges not only from opposition groups but also from recent state Senate actions. In mid-March 2025, the Oklahoma Senate passed a bill that could make it harder to gather signatures for future ballot initiatives. If signed into law, the bill would impose strict requirements on how signatures are collected, including placing limits on the number of signatures gathered from large counties like Oklahoma and Tulsa.

A New Era for Cannabis Legalization in Oklahoma

Oklahoma voters may soon have the opportunity to revisit cannabis legalization in 2026, but the road ahead remains challenging. ORCA is committed to securing the necessary signatures and building broader grassroots support in the months to come. With a new and more inclusive proposal, the group hopes to ensure that the lessons learned from past initiatives help create a safer, more sustainable adult-use cannabis industry in Oklahoma.