This Grandma Wants to Legalize Cannabis in Oklahoma and She’s Here to Tell You Why

Tina Jennings, a retired schoolteacher, mother and grandmother, says she doesn’t smoke weed herself, but intends to vote yes on Oklahoma’s State Question 820 (SQ80) on March 7 to allow adult-use Cannabis can be legalized.
“For me and many other parents, the legalization of recreational marijuana is not about drugs, it is about keeping our state on a sound economic footing, creating sensible legislation that promotes public safety and a more just state builds,” Jennings said in The Oklahoman.

Why? Jennings has many reasons and wants to share them
Oklahomans stand to benefit from a massive influx of new tax revenue. SQ 820 would impose a 15% tax on recreational marijuana, which experts say would generate more than $100 million in revenue per year when combined with state and local taxes.
“We all know, and when I was a teacher, I saw firsthand that Oklahoma schools are dangerously underrepresented. Too many teachers are fleeing the profession and our students are paying the price. Per Pupil on Oklahoma Public Education is in the bottom six states on spending, and passing SQ 820 could be a lifeline to our schools and our students,” Jennings said. “This is not a fantasy; We only need to see what we are missing today. Since Colorado legalized marijuana more than a decade ago, its public schools have received more than half a billion dollars in additional revenue from its marijuana tax.

Nothing to Worry: Oklahoma’s Legalization Bill Comes With Substantial Regulations
Jennings says he’s more concerned about the lack of regulation than the danger of marijuana itself. “SQ 820 will provide comprehensive regulations and controls to ensure that marijuana is produced and sold according to rigorous safety guidelines. The regulation will mean that marijuana is grown and sold by responsible businessmen who verify age Jennings explained that young people will naturally be prohibited from buying weed and that SQ820 will ensure that all marijuana sold in Oklahoma is properly tested and not contaminated with other drugs. .

stop the unnecessary arrests of so many oklahomans

“I am concerned about the damage that an arrest for possession of even a small amount of marijuana can have on a young person’s life. Current laws on marijuana have resulted in large numbers of young adults being arrested and incarcerated, she said. “These are not drug kingpins we’re talking about; they’re kids who made a mistake. It’s fair to hold them accountable for that mistake, but arrest records related to an activity in large parts of the country They shouldn’t miss out on college or a good job because of it.
Jennings concludes with a reminder that states that have already legalized medical and recreational marijuana over the past 10 years have not seen an increase in teen use, and their residents have benefited from abundant new tax revenue. Received benefits.
“Oklahoma must not be left behind. We must seize the opportunity SQ 820 provides to generate much-needed new revenue for our public schools, improve public health and safety through sensible regulations, and reduce unnecessary arrests and incarceration Should,” Jennings concluded.