Oklahoma Lawmaker Supports Medical Marijuana , Lessening Punishment For Possession

An Oklahoma lawmaker is fighting to make medical marijuana legal in Oklahoma.

It's already allowed in 18 other states.

Senator Constance Johnson also wants to reduce the punishment for getting caught with pot.

Her legislation would have the jail sentence for having an ounce and a half of marijuana reduced from a maximum of one year to 10 days, and the fine would be slashed from $1,000 to $200.

Also, in the state legislature, a southern Oklahoma representative wants to outlaw texting behind the wheel.

Only first responders like firefighters, police and paramedics would be exempt.

The lawmaker cites studies, saying texting while driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Both proposals have been made before and were shot down in earlier sessions.