Oklahoma Activists Launch Bid for Expungement, Decriminalization

Oklahoma activists are collecting petition signatures to add a cannabis expungement and decriminalization question to November ballots, according to a 102.3 KRMG report. The group – We Are 788 – needs to collect 180,000 signatures in order to put the issue to voters.

The measure would decriminalize the following offenses:

– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana)
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) with the Intent to Distribute
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) within 2,000 Feet of a School or Public Park
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in the Presence of a Minor Child
– Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) without a Tax Stamp
– Possession of Proceeds Derived from a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act

The measure would not only expunge criminal records and prevent people from going to jail for cannabis in the future but also includes language to let people out of jail if they were convicted of charges included in the petition question.

Under the measure’s proposed rules, the state would be responsible for any costs associated with the expungement.

The campaign comes after broad legalization activists withdrew their petition due to signature-gathering risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. It was the third failed attempt to put a legalization question to Oklahoma voters in as many years. In 2018, activists were unable to collect enough signatures by the deadline. Last year, the campaign withdrew its petition due to concerns that broad legalization would have a negative impact on the medical cannabis program.