Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Urges Public to Oppose State Question 837


Recreational Marijuana Already Rejected by Voters — SQ 837 Is a Risk to Public Safety

The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) strongly opposes State Question 837, a newly proposed ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational marijuana statewide. The Association calls on Oklahomans to reject this measure, just as they did in 2023 when State Question 820 was defeated by a decisive margin of more than 61 percent.

Two years ago, voters sent a clear message: Oklahoma does not support recreational marijuana. Despite that rejection, national interests are once again pushing a dangerous and unnecessary policy that places our communities, our children, and our roadways at risk.

If approved, State Question 837 would:

  • Legalize the possession and use of high-potency marijuana for individuals 21 and older.

  • Permit home cultivation of up to 12 plants per person, with limited restrictions on storage or oversight.

  • Prohibit employers, landlords, and healthcare providers from taking action against individuals who legally use marijuana, potentially limiting their ability to enforce safety, performance, or conduct standards.

The measure would also strain public safety and health systems as use becomes more widespread, while restricting law enforcement’s ability to address marijuana-related issues, including impaired driving. Ultimately, SQ 837 prioritizes commercial marijuana interests over public well-being and local control.

Police chiefs across Oklahoma have seen firsthand the unintended consequences of the state’s existing medical marijuana program. Before we expand marijuana access even further, we must first address the lack of enforcement tools, regulatory gaps, and the growing illegal market operating under the guise of legal “medical” use.

The OACP is particularly concerned about:

  • Increased youth access and the normalization of drug use.

  • Expanded illegal grows and cartel activity, exploiting legal loopholes.

  • More impaired drivers on the road, with no reliable tools to detect marijuana-related DUI in real time.

  • The erosion of employer rights to maintain drug-free workplaces.

Additionally, SQ 837 would be a fiscally irresponsible move that ignores the true costs of regulation, enforcement, and addiction services.

“Our position is not about politics; it is about public safety,” the OACP stated. “This initiative does nothing to strengthen our communities. It undermines them. We urge Oklahomans to reject State Question 837 and prevent it from reaching the ballot.”

The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police represents law enforcement leaders across the state and remains committed to advancing policies that protect the safety, health, and future of all Oklahomans.