OKLAHOMA CITY — Advocates celebrated Tuesday night as voters approved a ballot measure that will make Oklahoma the 31st state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use.

Under State Question 788, some Oklahomans could be eligible to receive a license that will allow them to legally possess the drug in as soon as 44 days — if ballot measure remains unchanged, said Bud Scott, executive director of New Health Solutions Oklahoma, the state’s cannabis trade association.

“The people of Oklahoma have spoken, and we are here to encourage leadership to be shown… to ensure that a responsible and timely implementation of State Question 788 occurs, respecting the spirit of State Question 788,” he said.

Supporters and critics of the measure now say they’re watching to see how the Legislature reacts. Lawmakers could step in to delay implementation or weigh whether increased regulations should be imposed on the fledgling industry.

“Anyone who is realistic understands we’re going to have a little bit of a delay,” said Scott, noting that no more than 150 days would likely be necessary to put infrastructure in place to provide for a smooth implementation.

Republican Gov. Mary Fallin said it is the responsibility of state leaders to look out for the health and safety of Oklahomans.

“As I mentioned in previous public comments, I believe, as well as many Oklahomans, this new law is written so loosely that it opens the door for basically recreational marijuana,” she said in a statement.

Fallin said she will have discussions with legislators and state agencies about the options for adding medical and regulatory framework to ensure marijuana use is truly for valid illnesses.

“I hope that the House and the Senate will do their job and modify the bill in such a way that it’s not a detriment to our state,” said Mike Haines, president of Vote No OK 788.

“We believe this is a bad bill,” he said.

Haines said the Legislature needs to make some modifications to the ballot initiative, including requiring prescribing doctors to have a bona fide relationship with a patient. Also, he said doctors should be required to set prescription dosages, types and time frames for accountability if a patient suffers ill effects.

He also said marijuana products should be required to be tested for potency and purity, while growers should face inspections to make sure the product is safe for consumers.

Haines said he’s also concerned that anyone who receives a physician recommendation can get access to the drug — including pregnant women.

He said he’s watching to see if the Legislature “will actually do their job” and modify the measure for the public good.

“Or, if in an election year, they’ll cower and let the bill stand,” he said.

In a statement, Dr. Kevin Taubman, co-chair of SQ 788 is Not Medical Coalition, said his group is “obviously disappointed by the outcome” because they believe the measure is too broadly written to be considered a legitimate medical marijuana program.

“However, we respect the will of the voters, and our member groups look forward to working with the Legislature and the Health Department to advance common-sense regulations that benefit patients while protecting businesses and communities,” he said.

In a statement, Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association President Chad Warmington urged Fallin to call a special session to provide clarity necessary to ensure public and workplace safety.

“The Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association opposed State Question 788 because it does not provide adequate protections for employers,” he said. “This measure, as written, is especially dangerous for the oil and natural gas industry where safety is paramount.”

Stecklein covers the Oklahoma Statehouse for CNHI’s newspapers and websites. Reach her at jstecklein@cnhi.com.