Recreational marijuana is historic only issue on ballot

By Rose Lane Editor

For the first time in U.S. history, voters in Oklahoma are going to the polls this Tuesday, March 7, with nothing but marijuana legalization on the ballot.

Through the petition initiative process, the Yes on 820 campaign delivered 164,000 signatures to the Secretary of State — many more than the 94,111 necessary.

grams and performances that benefit thousands.”

The western theme is inspired by George Balanchine’s Western

See BALL, Page 12

2023-24 ballet season to be ‘innovative, beautiful’

Full of variety, innovation and beauty, Oklahoma City Ballet has announced its 202324 Season.

The season begins with the fourth annual “Ballet Under the Stars,” a free community performance held at

Scissortail Park on Friday, Sept. 15.

Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening is to include several short works performed by professional dancers, OU School of Dance stu- dents and students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School. Guests are encouraged to come early to Ballet Under the Stars to get a great spot on the lawn and to take part in family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m., plus a 6:30 p.m. family dance class. Tickets or reservations are not required. Oklahoma City Ballet returns to the Civic Center Music

See BALLET, Page 12

While the state question was expected to have been on the November ballot, glitches within the signature-counting contractor pushed the vote until Tuesday.

According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, this is the gist of the state question:

“State Question 820 would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. Adults over the age of 21 years old would be able to purchase marijuana products for recreational use from licensed sellers. SQ 820 would allow individuals to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, six mature marijuana plants and six seedling plants. The state question also creates a licensing process for recreational marijuana dispensaries, commercial growers, processors and transporters and it directs the state to create rules for the preparation and labeling of marijuana products within 90 days after becoming law.”

The state would impose a 15 percent excise tax on each sale, with surplus revenue going to

See 820, Page 12