Oklahoma

Oklahoma Voters Could Legalize Marijuana This Year

Published

3 years ago

July 8, 2022

Oklahoma Voters Could Legalize Marijuana This Year

In Oklahoma, two competing efforts to legalize hashish for grownup use are anticipated to go on the poll in November. Query 820 would legalize by statute, whereas Query 819 would achieve this by a constitutional modification. In 2018, medical marijuana handed the poll with 56 p.c help, which means that full legalization has an actual shot.

However Oklahoma’s voters are most likely much less of an impediment than the legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt (R). In February 2022, Stitt stated that the medical marijuana poll query had been “deceptive” to voters, and claimed that it fostered crime. “, in addition to I try this, not all of that product is being offered legally,” he stated. “Let me be clear: Drug cartels, organized crime, international unhealthy actors don’t have any place within the state of Oklahoma.” Then in Might, he signed a regulation inserting a two-year moratorium on any new medical marijuana licenses. If voters cross adult-use legalization, it is going to little doubt be in for a tough journey.

On July 6, Oklahomans for Wise Marijuana Legal guidelines submitted over 164,000 voter signatures to state officers to put Query 820 on the poll. This measure would legalize for adults over 21, permitting them to purchase and possess as much as 1 ounce of hashish. They may additionally develop as much as six grownup hashish crops at house. The state would cost a 15 p.c excise tax on hashish gross sales, and have its medical marijuana regulators oversee the brand new business.

Two provisions in Query 820 are notable. For the primary two years, solely current medical marijuana companies could be licensed as leisure companies. Oklahoma wouldn’t be the primary state to offer medical marijuana corporations a big, and controversial, benefit in a brand new adult-use market—simply have a look at Connecticut or New Jersey.

This provision reveals that its writers are listening to legalization across the nation.

The opposite provision is rarer amongst cannabis-legal states. Query 820 would forestall cities and cities from banning hashish companies; they may solely regulate the place and when companies can function. This provision reveals that its writers are listening to legalization across the nation. Most cities and cities banned dispensaries in New Jersey, and likewise in New York. Query 820 will forestall this. If authorized dispensaries had been solely accessible in Oklahoma’s largest city areas, like Oklahoma Metropolis and Tulsa, whereas everybody else needed to drive hours to succeed in one, that will severely limit entry.

Query 819, in the meantime, has been filed by a special group, Oklahomans for Accountable Hashish Motion. The largest sensible distinction is that it will legalize a a lot bigger amount of hashish—as much as 8 ounces for adults, and as much as 12 crops grown at house. To make the November poll, it wants 178,000 legitimate signatures, which have to be submitted by August 22.

It faces a better hurdle on this sense, as a result of Query 819 is a constitutional modification. The motive for that is that it needs to be tougher for lawmakers or the governor to reverse. Any future modifications to hashish regulation must be accredited by voters. It’s a direct response to Gov. Stitt’s stance on medical marijuana, which was accredited as a statute. (The director of the Query 819 marketing campaign, Jed Inexperienced, additionally labored on the medical marijuana marketing campaign.)

At present, individuals who use marijuana are a main goal of Oklahoma’s drug conflict. Based on state information, 45 p.c of practically 12,400 drug arrests statewide in 2020 had been for hashish. 4 in 10 of all illicit drug arrests had been only for marijuana possession.

Drug arrests general are taking place in Oklahoma. Legalizing hashish would speed up this development.

The racist influence on Oklahomans is equally predictable. In a nationwide research, the ACLU discovered Black residents had been over 4 occasions likelier than whites to be arrested for marijuana possession. This disparity worsened between 2010-2018, at the same time as marijuana possession arrests decreased general.

However drug arrests general are taking place in Oklahoma. They peaked at over 22,400 in 2016 and have dropped yearly since. Legalizing hashish and eradicating prison penalties would speed up this development.

And to that time—for a previous marijuana conviction that will not be criminalized, each Questions 819 and 820 would set up individuals’s proper to petition a courtroom for resentencing or report expungement.

However in contrast to many different authorized hashish states—together with California, New Jersey and New York—the expungement course of wouldn’t be computerized. In the event you had been convicted on a marijuana cost, it will as much as you to determine should you’re eligible, and the place and learn how to petition for reduction. That’s a big barrier to justice.

Nonetheless, if both of the Questions passes and survives potential political interference, it is going to make an actual distinction within the lives of 1000’s of Oklahomans annually who would in any other case be criminalized.

{Photograph} by Don Goofy by way of Flickr/Artistic Commons 2.0

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Oklahoma

Which NFL playoff teams have players with Oklahoma ties? We break it down

Published

35 minutes ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Which NFL playoff teams have players with Oklahoma ties? We break it down

The NFL Playoffs are upon us, and every team that made the postseason has at least one player with connections to our state. Some played Oklahoma high school football. Others spent all or some of their college years here at OU, Oklahoma State or elsewhere.

Here’s a look at the NFL players with a chance at a Super Bowl LIX ring:

Los Angeles Chargers

Tony Jefferson, S, OU: Came out of retirement this season after spending a year as a scout for the Ravens. Spent time on the practice squad, but played in five of the Chargers last six regular season games.

Houston Texans

Joe Mixon, RB, OU: After spending his first seven seasons in Cincinnati, Mixon had a Pro Bowl season in Houston, rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren, RB, OSU: Took a small step back behind Najee Harris, rushing for a career-low 511 yards. But Warren was sidelined for a couple of games with a back injury and has been strong of late.

Devin Harper, LB, OSU: Has been on Pittsburgh’s practice squad all season after being waived by Cincinnati.

Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews, TE, OU: Arguably the best tight end in football. Has a career-high 11 touchdown catches this season after escaping injury in August when he was involved in a major car accident.

Justice Hill, RB, Tulsa Booker T. Washington HS/OSU: Back-up to standout Derrick Henry. Hill missed the last two games of the regular season after suffering a concussion.

Charlie Kolar, TE, Norman North HS: The third leg of the Ravens’ talented tight end group, pairing with Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Kolar, who went to Iowa State, has a career-high nine catches and 131 receiving yards.

Tylan Wallace, WR, OSU: Having a career year in his fourth season with the Ravens, catching a career-high 11 passes for 193 yards. Scored his first NFL receiving touchdown in Week 10 against the Bengals.

Denver Broncos

Nik Bonitto, LB, OU: A first-time Pro Bowler who has been mentioned in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Has 13.5 sacks, the first Bronco with double-digit sacks since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.

Marvin Mims, WR, OU: Another Pro Bowler. Speedy wideout is second on the team with 503 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. Also returns punts and kicks.

Ben Powers, OL, OU: Started every game for the Broncos at left guard. Third consecutive season he has logged over 1,000 snaps, the first in Baltimore, the last two in Denver.

Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, OU: On the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Has not played a snap for the Broncos this season.

Tanner McCalister, DB, OSU: On the practice squad. Spent his final college season (2022) at Ohio State after four years in Stillwater.

Buffalo Bills

Jordan Phillips, DT, OU: Has played in five games since being released by Dallas in November and signed the very next day by Buffalo. Played for the Bills in two previous stints.

Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs, RB, Tulsa McLain HS: Rushed for a team-high 1,329 yards in his first season with the Packers. The Alabama product has a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns, too.

Alex Hale, K, OSU: Has spent his entire rookie season on the Packers’ practice squad.

Marquis Hayes, OL, OU: On the practice squad. Second-year pro has yet to make his NFL debut.

Philadelphia Eagles

Grant Calcaterra, TE, OU: Started a career-high 13 games, logging career bests in catches (24) and receiving yards (298). After medically retiring and leaving OU following the 2019 season, finished his college career at SMU.

Jalen Hurts, QB, OU: In the MVP hunt before Philly sidekick Saquon Barkley stole everyone’s spotlight. Hurts missed the Eagles’ last two regular season games after suffering a concussion.

Lane Johnson, OL, OU: Earned his fifth invitation to the Pro Bowl this season. May well add another All-Pro honor. Made 14 starts at right tackle.

Washington Commanders

Tyler Ott, LS, Jenks HS: Tenth-year pro who played collegiately at Harvard is in his first season with Washington. Named a Pro Bowl alternate.

Chris Paul, OL, Tulsa: Guard has played in six games this season as a reserve.

Tress Way, P, Tulsa Union HS/OU: Making only his second playoff appearance in 11 seasons in Washington. The team captain and fan favorite set the franchise record for career punting yards earlier this season.

Austin Seibert, K, OU: Has been on injured reserve since missing a field goal and two extra points against Dallas. Made all his PATs and 27 of 29 field goals before that. Missed the two games prior with a hip injury.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, QB, OU: Having his best pro season, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus passing grade of 82.4 ranks just behind Josh Allen, ahead of Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes.

Sterling Shepard, WR, Heritage Hall HS/OU: Resurrected his career in Tampa Bay. After eight seasons with the Giants, the last two of which were rough, Shepard has 32 catches for 334 yards and one touchdown.

Minnesota Vikings

Brian Asamoah, LB, OU: Reserve has played in 14 games this season, his third in Minnesota.

Jalen Redmond, DL, Midwest City HS/OU: One of the best comeback stories this season. Spent last season out of the NFL, then played in the UFL, hooked on with the Vikings’ practice squad but elevated and played in seven of the past eight games, starting two.

Walter Rouse, OL, OU: Made his NFL debut in Week 13 against the Cardinals but has not played otherwise.

Los Angeles Rams

Neville Gallimore, NT, OU: Has played in 14 games and made four starts in his first season with Rams. Spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Dallas.

Drake Stoops, WR, OU: Undrafted free agent has spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad.

A.J. Green, CB, OSU: Has been on the practice squad all season after spending the previous four seasons in Cleveland.

Kansas City Chiefs

Marquise Brown, WR, OU: Missed the first 14 games of the season due to a shoulder injury. Had nine catches in the two games he played since returning.

Creed Humphrey, OL, Shawnee HS/OU: Continues to build his case as the best center in the NFL. Stalwart and leader of KC’s offensive line. Has made 67 consecutive starts.

Wanya Morris, OL, OU: Second-year pro has made 11 starts this season. Bounced between left tackle and right tackle, the position at which he seems more natural.

Samaje Perine, RB, OU: Reserve power back has played in all of Kansas City’s games this season. Often used in short-yardage situations.

James Winchester, LS, Washington HS/OU: No current long snapper has been more consistent longer. One of only six current players on the Kansas City roster to be part of the franchise’s three most recent Super Bowl titles.

McKade Mettauer, OL, OU: Undrafted free agent signed by Kansas City, then placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during a preseason game.

Detroit Lions

Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Wagoner HS/OSU: On injured reserve since Week 13 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Chicago. Prior to that, he’d played in 10 games, starting six, with 43 tackles and two sacks.

Did we forget someone? If you know of another player with ties to the state of Oklahoma in the NFL Playoffs, email Jenni Carlson at jcarlson@oklahoman.com.

Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at 405-475-4125 or jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at @jennicarlsonok.bsky.social and twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

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Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA STANDARD: Neighbors help clear driveways and streets after snowstorm

Published

12 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

OKLAHOMA STANDARD: Neighbors help clear driveways and streets after snowstorm

TULSA, Okla — Ryder Tackett is a lifelong resident of Tulsa, and he’s happy to enjoy a little snow—but he also doesn’t mind clearing it up for drivers.

“I don’t want my parents slipping out onto the road,” he said.

He told 2News Oklahoma’s Isabel Flores about how he plows his driveway to make sure his parents stay safe after every snowfall.

This year, he said he’d ask his neighbors if they’d like their driveways plowed, too.

FLORES: “Have you seen anyone or have you yourself gone to other houses?”
TACKETT: “Uh no, I think I’m gonna do that actually. I just started.”
FLORES: “Oh wow! So you’re gonna go around?”
TACKETT: “Yeah, I think so, yeah.”

PJ Turner was also outside salting and plowing driveways.

He’s the Land Service Manager with Rancho Flores, a company that specializes in all kinds of yard work.

After all the fallen snow, Turner said it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation.

“We need a community of people, it takes a herd,” he said. “I think the more we help each other out, the better it is for our community. Plus, we can get out here in this fresh air.”

Turner said Rancho Flores plows and sands between one and two hundred driveways in midtown Tulsa and is happy to lend a helping hand.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to help people out, to be able to bring some peace of mind to them,” he said.

Sharing the same sentiment, Ryder said he wants to make sure to keep people safe too.

“I think the importance of cleaning after the snow is probably to make sure no one slides into the road probably, no one gets hit by a car,” he said.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma State LB Jeff Roberson Headed to Big 10 School

Published

23 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma State LB Jeff Roberson Headed to Big 10 School

Oklahoma State’s most recent transfer portal departure has already found a new home.

On Monday, OSU linebacker Jeff Roberson announced he was entering the transfer portal and looking to close his career elsewhere. Roberson wasted no time finding his next school, as he committed to Minnesota on Thursday.

Roberson began his career at OSU in 2020 and mostly played on special teams and as a backup throughout the first few years of his career. After missing the entire 2022 season with an injury, he came back in 2023 to play largely the same role.

However, his luck changed in 2024. With so many injuries throughout the OSU defense, the Cowboys needed players to step up at every position, and Roberson took advantage. In 2024, Roberson played in every game and finished with 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss and an interception. Before entering the transfer portal, Roberson’s numbers from 2024 would have made him OSU’s leading returning tackler.

Roberson’s departure was about as surprising as any move at OSU this offseason. Considering he had spent the first five seasons of his career in Stillwater and finally carved out a sizeable role last season, it appeared Roberson would carry that momentum into 2025 as a leader of the OSU defense.

Instead, he used his extra opportunity and leap to find a better situation as OSU overhauled its coaching staff and continues to bring in various defensive players through the transfer portal. However, going to Minnesota was the second surprising part of his decision. Early predictions were for Roberson, a Choctaw native, to stay in his home state and play at Oklahoma next season. As he makes his way north to play for PJ Fleck’s team next season, there is no doubt Roberson can have an impact to finish his career.

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