Proponents of the full legalization of recreational marijuana have filed an initiative petition to put it to a vote of the people.

They need about 178,000 valid signatures to get it on a ballot. A previous attempt, State Question 797, failed due to a lack of valid signature.  The new proposal would amend the state constitution. In 2018, voters approved legalization of medical marijuana (even though it violates federal statutes).

The petition makes some exceptions for people impaired by marijuana while driving and it gives some discretion to employers and property owners to prohibit the use of marijuana. It also tacks on a 15% tax on marijuana sales and prohibits its use by those under the age of 21. Cities could ban retail licenses and allows for forgiveness of certain marijuana crime from the past.

Gov. Kevin Stitt opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana.