Oklahoma House And Senate GOP Leaders Dismiss Governor’s Push To Repeal Medical Marijuana At The Ballot

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

February 17, 2026

Oklahoma Republican legislative leaders have firmly rejected Governor Kevin Stitt's call to place a ballot measure before voters to potentially repeal the state's medical marijuana program, established by voter initiative in 2018. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert stressed that Oklahomans support medical use distinctly from recreational legalization, urging the legislature to enforce medicinal-only guidelines upheld for years. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton argued the program, created statutorily, could be ended legislatively without a vote, deeming a ballot push unnecessary and unfair to licensed operators who invested heavily under the original medical framework. He highlighted successful regulations curbing illegal cartel activity in rural areas and advised against pursuing a state question. Attorney General Gentner Drummond backed repeal but noted reimbursement needs for licensees if revenue ends. Democratic leaders opposed revisiting voter decisions, while some tribal figures aligned with Stitt's criticisms of program flaws. The governor claimed excessive dispensaries enable crime and foreign influence despite enforcement. Separately, adult-use activists withdrew their 2026 initiative amid implementation disputes. The proposal faces limited legislative backing, preserving the existing medical system for now.