Oklahoma voters, including those in Kingfisher County, will go to the polls Tuesday, March 7, to decide the fate of legalized recreational marijuana.

The initiative made it to the ballot after more than 160,000 signatures were collected last year.

Marijuana use for medicinal purposes is already on the books.

SQ 820 is the only question on the ballot March 7.

A “yes” vote would make it legal to buy or sell marijuana for any purpose.

A “no” vote would continue the status quo, keeping marijuana an illegal substance in most cases.

The measure would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis, grow up to six mature plants and six seedlings for personal use.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority would be responsible for regulating the program and proponents point out that a 15 percent excise tax would be imposed on adult-use marijuana products, with revenue going to an “Oklahoma Marijuana Revenue Trust Fund.”

It’s estimated that SQ 820, if passed, would generate more than $400 million in tax revenue in the first five years following legalization.

Also if passed, people serving in prison for possession made legal under the measure could “file a petition for resentencing, reversal of conviction and dismissal of case, or modification of judgment and sentence.”

Those who’ve already served their sentence for such a conviction could also petition the courts for expungement.

Proponents of the measure say that would address a significant cause of racial imbalance in the state’s justice system as they argue a disproportionate number of black Oklahomans have been charged with marijuana-related offense as compared to white residents.

Supporters also say the generated tax revenue can fund substance abuse prevention education, mental health services and other community programs.

Opponents argue that marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and in 29 states which makes for a patchwork system of laws. It’s more prudent, they say, to wait until the federal government changes the law.

They also say legalizing marijuana recreationally encourages greater abuse and note that the American Medical Association still opposes its legalization.

There’s also the potential criminal element.

The legalization of medical marijuana five years ago opened the doors for criminal enterprises to enter the state and participate in black-market operations.

A loosening of the state’s marijuana laws could enhance those issues, say law enforcement officials.

“I don’t believe it’s in the best interest of the state and it’s going to cause more harm than good,” said Kingfi sher Police Chief David Catron.

Kingfisher County Sheriff Dennis Banther said he also opposes its passage.

His office investigated the execution-style homicides of four Chinese nationals and injury of another at marijuana farm near Lacey late last year.

It was later discovered the farm was not currently licensed.

Governor Kevin Stitt and former Governor Frank Keating have come out in opposition of the measure as have organizations such as Oklahoma Southern Baptists and Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

Kingfisher County Election Board Secretary Shawna Butts said county voting places will remain the same for the March 7 vote as the November general election.