Last week, the opposition to State Question 788 – a.k.a. the medical marijuana legalization initiative – kicked into high gear.
The Oklahoman went first with another eye-roll inducing piece that tried to trick its few remaining living readers into believing Colorado has turned into some dystopian hell hole since the state legalized marijuana a few years ago. As a person who visits Colorado three or four times a year to see all my friends who moved up there for better-paying jobs and a happier life, I can tell you that’s not the case.
The Oklahoman’s propaganda was followed by a press conference at the Capitol by a group called “Oklahomans Against 788.” They went with the classic “BUT THE CHILDREN” angle. Even though medical marijuana edibles are already regularly available on the black market, they’re against legalization because there’s a slight chance some stupid kid may eat the gummies their irresponsible parent left lying around and accidentally get stoned for a night. There’s no word if the group is also for the prohibition of more dangerous items around the house, like candy-coated Advil, Bota Boxes or Tide Pods.
Another person hopping on the anti-SQ 788 bandwagon was Kay County Sheriff Steve Kelley. He used the Kay County Sheriff Department’s official Facebook page as a pulpit to share his “concerns” about SQ 788.
Check it out:
The fact that an Oklahoma sheriff shared his “great concern” about marijuana legalization isn’t surprising. Outside of gangs, drug dealers and Taco Bueno, they’re about the only ones profiting off marijuana prohibition. One joint in your possession is all they need to give you a ticket, send you to jail, seize your assets and destroy your record. And if you can’t afford to pay the court costs associated with the arrest, watch out! They’ll send you to collection! I guess you can’t really blame them for protecting what’s theirs.
Anyway, an Oklahoma sheriff hopping on Facebook and sharing authoritarian, behind-the-times views on topics isn’t anything new. They do it all time. What makes this a bit unique is that he’s talking about a state question that will be on the ballot. According to an Oklahoma statute that was created in the 1970s, that may be illegal.
Any official in this state who shall direct or authorize the expenditure of any public funds under his care, except as specifically authorized by law, to be used either in support of, or in opposition to, any measure which is being referred to a vote of the people by means of the initiative or referendum, or which citizens of this state are attempting to have referred to a vote of the people by the initiative or referendum, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and the office held by such party shall be adjudged vacant and shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law.
When an Ogle Mole sent this to us, I asked if using Facebook to post a political rant is considered using “public funds.” The Mole responded that since it was posted on the sheriff department’s Facebook page – and not a private account – that a district attorney or whatever could make that case. They also mentioned that if the sheriff wrote the article on a state computer, or had his deputy or whatever put the article on Facebook, that a court could also consider that an improper use of state funds.
Anyway, I would say we’ll watch and see what happens, but does anyone actually think anything will happen? Do we really think any DA or Attorney General or whoever would pursue this? Just like our sheriffs, they also profit from the prohibition of marijuana and would love to see SQ 788 fail. They’ll probably just like and share the post to get the message out there.
Aw, the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association also known as the 300+ Pounder Club.
If ONLY this sheriff and the anti-legalization people would care AS MUCH about adults leaving guns around the house for kids to kill each other win …. then they call it an ‘unfortunate accident.’
Man, the case for moving to Colorado becomes stronger everyday. If I wanted to smoke marijuana, I would, it’s everyehere, I just don’t want it. Ok Legislators are going to gut social safety nets, continue to cut Education funding and continue to ensure incarceration rates climb without rehabilitation.
Its scares me that this dumb motherfucker is allowed to carry a gun. You connot od on cannabis.
I just wrote Sen. Ervin Yen, who has already crafted a law to make med marijuana available only to people with conditions like terminal cancer. I told him to, respectfully, withdraw it, or my wife and I will not vote for him again. We’re firm believers in individual freedom and choice over a nanny state that wants to dictate what taxpaying adults can or cannot do when it doesn’t harm anyone else. #screwBigGovernment
Sen. Yen’s bill failed in the Senate this afternoon. But like a zombie, it isn’t completely dead yet. Yen could bring it back on a motion to reconsider.
May I respectfully suggest to Mr. Merlot that he and his wife vote against Sen. Yen at their next opportunity – whether Yen withdraws his bill or not? Yen and his fellow Republicans claim to be against Big Government, except for a woman’s right to seek an abortion, for use cannabis products, and for numerous other personal matters.
Fucker made a motion to reconsider. Found out he’s my senator after moving last year, and he’ll definitely *not* be getting my vote, because of this and because he voted for SB1140. Haven’t found what other bad shit he’s voted for, but I’m hoping enough of his constituents are tired of this same old shit and vote him out. There are at least 2 Democrats running against him, yay!
Good for you!! #yankyen
I was eating breakfast at a local restaraunt casually chatting with an individual who works for the Tulsa County Coeoner. He said he was no longer looking for THC during autopsies. It’s determined that THC won’t kill you. HUHHHHH Jethro
well when u receive mail inside ur water bill asking u to approve a bond issue or the kids bring home a note inside of a school envelope is this not the same..
Neither of those is done by initiative petition, so, yes, it is legal.
Absolutely nothing will happen to this gentleman and his and his ilks ignorant, backwards and harmful prohibitions will continue. I’m sorry but I have very little faith in Oklahoma voters to pass this. It’s NOT a recreational use bill not even close, but that is how it will be framed and that’s how it will go down in flames. *shakes head in sadness*
Think what you want but still go and and vote, OK?
Sounds like he Read the Sunday Oklahoman article on Colorado Evils to The States Bordering her ! Plus how a Town is in a Boom just Because of Marijuana.
I’ve smoked alot of weed in Kay County. All without overdosing, moving on to crack, and getting my kids high.
“highly addictive & overdosing effects”…
I laughed my ass off for ten minutes.
Why can’t these embarrasing idiots just continue to do nothing and keep their mouths shut at the same time? Someone please show thdm the door..
” There is no need to smoke or eat the highly addictive, in some cases overdosing effects of THC when the beneficial CBD oils are already legal and effective.”
Dude needs to actually research. CBD has very little effect in pain management and/or depression/anxiety management. If I lived in Kay county, I would be starting a campaign to remove this guy from his post. Overdosing effects… What is that? “I had 3 marijuanas today and now I am overdosed on effects.” Yeah, he did his “research”…
Also, has anyone else noticed the amount of CBD shops that have opened in the last 3 months? I know of 4 in Edmond alone. I have a huge feeling that they are just prepping for when we become a green state.
I fully support the legalization of medical marijuana, but the statistics quoted in the article do make a point. Every time an arrest is made, it’s costly to the city and state. I have no doubt arrests for illegal manufacturing have gone up. Maybe I’m not thinking things through, but perhaps this problem would be solved if they would just let people grow it legally. Make them register with the state as growers, but let it be legal. Sometimes by making something a crime you make the criminal as well.
Vote Joe Exotic for Governor and Direct Message me on twitter for a free (#fixthisshit Joe Exotic 4 Governor) ball cap and lets put an end to the political stupidity in this State.