80% of former Judge Barry Denney’s family law cases had issues with drugs
NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA – Based on his 32 years of experience as a former judge and prosecutor, former District Judge Barry Denney is hitting social media to voice his opposition to a ballot proposal that will legalize recreational marijuana.
“I’m voting no,” Denney posted on a social media site on March 1.
Oklahoma voters will go to the polls on March 7 to vote on State Question 820.
If State Question 820 passes, recreational marijuana will be taxed at 15% almost double the current 7% retail tax on medical marijuana. You can read the full text of the ballot question here along with other interesting facts about the measure.
Supporters of the bill are gambling that recreational marijuana will be a billion-dollar industry for Oklahoma. Those opposing recreational marijuana cite the health risks and the increased violence in black-market operations in Oklahoma.
“Legalization of recreational marijuana as a means to increase tax collections by encouraging the very behavior that has already led to tens of thousands of ruined lives is simply not worth the cost,” Denney said in his Facebook post.
Denney served 24 years as a judge for Delaware and Ottawa Counties and eight years as a prosecutor before retiring Dec. 31, 2022.
But it’s the…
