The cannabis legalization movement faced a significant setback in Oklahoma following the results of Special Question 820 (SQ 820). The measure was rejected by voters in a 60-40 split, with the Associated Press declaring a victory for the opposition within an hour of polls closing.
Interestingly, while Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the key urban areas in the state, voted in favor of legalization, they were not able to counter the widespread rejection of SQ 820 throughout the rest of the state. Reports indicate that Oklahoma County, which includes Oklahoma City, was leaning towards legalization at 54%, with Tulsa only slightly behind at 51%.
However, the vast majority of rural areas throughout Oklahoma voted against the measure, with some counties registering “no” votes as high as 70% or even 80%. As a result, SQ 820 had little chance of passing, despite the support of the state’s metropolitan centers.
