Governor Kevin Stitt is calling on Oklahomans to reconsider the state’s medical marijuana law, saying it has created significant public safety issues. In his State of the State address on Monday, Stitt urged voters to revisit the legalization measure passed in 2018 and “shut it down.”

The governor didn’t mince words, claiming that “out-of-state liberal activists” misled Oklahomans when they voted to legalize medical marijuana. “When Oklahomans voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2018, we were sold a bill of goods,” he said. “Out-of-state liberal activists preyed on the compassionate nature of Oklahomans. Then, it opened up Pandora’s box.”

Concerns Over Public Safety

Stitt argued that the medical marijuana industry is one of the “greatest threats to public safety” in Oklahoma today. He pointed to the state’s abundance of marijuana dispensaries, saying, “We have more dispensaries than we do pharmacies.”

The governor also claimed the industry has fostered illegal activity, including cartel operations and human trafficking. “While regulators and law enforcement have done incredible work to hold back the tide of illegal activity, the industry is plagued by foreign criminal interests and bad actors, making it nearly impossible to rein in,” Stitt said.

For many Oklahomans, these concerns might hit close to home. Folks across the state have seen the rapid growth of dispensaries in their neighborhoods, some questioning whether the industry is being properly monitored. According to Stitt, the current system is beyond repair. “We can’t put a band-aid on a broken bone,” he said. “Knowing what we know, it’s time to let Oklahomans bring safety and sanity back to their neighborhoods.”

What’s Next?

Stitt is calling for the issue to be sent back to voters for reconsideration. His remarks suggest he wants a new vote to repeal medical marijuana legalization entirely. “Send the marijuana issue back to the vote of the people and shut it down,” he said.

It’s unclear when such a vote might take place or what specific steps the governor plans to take to make it happen. However, his statements have already sparked conversations across the state. Some Oklahomans support the idea of stricter regulations or even a repeal, while others believe medical marijuana provides essential relief for patients in need.

The original measure, passed in 2018, made Oklahoma one of the most permissive states for medical marijuana. Since then, the industry has grown rapidly, with thousands of licensed dispensaries and growers operating statewide. While many patients and advocates praise the program, critics like Stitt argue it has created more problems than it’s solved.

What Folks Are Saying

Reactions to Stitt’s comments are mixed. Supporters of medical marijuana worry about losing access to a treatment they say has improved their quality of life. Meanwhile, some residents agree with the governor’s concerns about public safety and the potential for illegal activity within the industry.

“I understand why folks voted for it back then—they wanted to help sick people,” said John Miller, a Tulsa resident. “But now it feels like it’s gotten out of control. Every corner has a dispensary, and I don’t know if anyone’s really keeping an eye on it.”

On the other hand, advocates argue that the industry has created jobs and provided much-needed relief for patients dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions. “For me, it’s not just about business—it’s about health,” said Sarah Johnson, who owns a dispensary in Norman. “We’ve helped so many folks who didn’t have other options.”

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Oklahomans on both sides of the argument will likely have plenty to say if and when the matter is put back on the ballot.