OKLAHOMA CITY (BP and local reports) – Oklahoma Baptist churches played a crucial role in routing the March 7 special election in that state to legalize recreational use of marijuana.
State Question 820 was defeated with 61.7% voting no and 38.3% voting yes. With a total of more than 566,000 people showing up at the polls, a majority in all 77 counties of Oklahoma voted against the controversial measure.
Oklahoma Baptists and their churches across the state took an active part in opposing the measure. In November 2022, messengers to the annual meeting of Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) voiced opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana, becoming the first faith group to speak against the proposal.
“Way to go Oklahoma! I am very grateful for the huge amount of energy and work Oklahoma Baptists… gave toward the defeat of SQ 820,” wrote BGCO executive director-treasurer Todd Fisher on social media.
Oklahoma Baptists’ Ethics & Religious Liberty Committee (ERLC) and the BGCO news journal, Baptist Messenger, prepared specific materials for pastors and churches to use that included a research-based fact sheet/bulletin insert, infographics, announcement slides for churches, articles, social media graphics, and more.
Many Oklahoma Baptist pastors made a point to speak to the issue from the pulpit and in other settings. Trinity Church in Norman hosted two Wednesday evening events in February to address the topic.
In 2018, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 788 which was presented to voters as approving of medical marijuana. Since that vote, Oklahoma has become the leading state in the number of medical marijuana dispensaries with more than 2,300.
Sources indicate the “Yes on 820” group outspent the “No on 820” organization by a large margin — an estimated 10 to 1 ratio — with millions of dollars poured into the “Yes” side of the campaign from groups including the American Civil Liberties Union.
“This is a great moment for Oklahoma,” said Brian Hobbs, editor of the Baptist Messenger. “Oklahoma Baptist pastors, churches and associations came together to say, ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to the explosive growth of marijuana in our state.
“While there is much more work to be done to help those facing substance abuse and to stem the tide of marijuana in Oklahoma, this resounding victory is a blessing attributable only to the Lord.”
Mississippi became the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana on Feb. 2, 2022, when Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill passed by the Legislature earlier that year. No statewide vote was conducted.
To view how Mississippi representatives voted on the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (Senate Bill 2095), click here. To view how Mississippi senators voted on the measure, click here.
