Oklahoma Governor Calls for Repeal of Medical Marijuana Program

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt used his State of the State address Monday to call for voters to reverse the state's medical marijuana program, arguing that legalization has spiraled beyond its original intent.

The Republican governor told lawmakers his "top priority has always been keeping Oklahomans safe" and that the state needs to revisit Question 788—the 2018 ballot measure that legalized medical cannabis. Stitt characterized the law as a deception perpetrated by "liberal activists" who "opened up Pandora's box."

Oklahoma voters approved medical marijuana with 57% support in June 2018, creating one of the nation's most permissive programs. The state requires only a doctor's recommendation—without specific qualifying conditions—and allows patients to grow their own plants. As of late 2024, Oklahoma has issued more than 375,000 patient licenses and 8,000+ dispensary licenses, an unusually high concentration for a state of 4 million residents.

The Governor's Case

Stitt's frustration centers on what he sees as inadequate oversight and rampant illegal activity within the licensed market. The governor has repeatedly criticized the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) for failing to prevent black market operations from using medical licenses as cover.

Federal and state law enforcement have conducted dozens of raids on licensed grows in recent years, often finding connections to international trafficking organizations. In 2022, Chinese nationals were arrested at multiple Oklahoma facilities accused of funneling cannabis to out-of-state markets.

But industry advocates say the governor is conflating legitimate businesses with bad actors. "The overwhelming majority of Oklahoma's cannabis operators are compliant, tax-paying businesses," said Bud Scott, executive director of the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association. "Shutting down the entire program punishes patients and legitimate operators for enforcement failures."

An Unlikely Reversal

Stitt's call for repeal faces steep political odds. Reversing a voter-approved initiative would require either a new ballot measure or legislative action—both difficult in a state where medical marijuana retains majority support according to recent polling.

The legislature has already attempted to tighten regulations multiple times. In 2022, lawmakers passed restrictions on grow canopy size and residency requirements for license holders. This year's session will likely see additional enforcement measures rather than outright repeal.

"We're not going back," said Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R), who has worked on cannabis legislation. "The question is how we improve the system, not whether we eliminate it."

What Comes Next

Stitt has not outlined a specific mechanism for "shutting down" the program. His office did not respond to requests for clarification on whether he would support a ballot initiative or pursue legislative action.

The governor has previously vetoed cannabis-related bills he deemed too lenient, including a measure that would have created a recreational marijuana framework. Oklahoma remains one of the few states where medical marijuana exists without serious discussion of adult-use legalization.

Industry observers expect the 2025 legislative session will focus on enforcement funding and tighter screening for license applicants rather than prohibition. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has requested additional resources to investigate illegal grows, a proposal that has bipartisan support.

For now, Oklahoma's medical marijuana market continues operating—generating more than $100 million annually in tax revenue and supporting an estimated 10,000 jobs. Whether Stitt's repeal rhetoric gains traction or remains political posturing will become clear as the legislative session progresses.

This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.