A mailer distributed by Yes on 788 PAC criticizes U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, for his opposition to State Question 788. [Photo provided]

The debate over medical marijuana in Oklahoma wound along the usual avenues of political discourse for months before detouring Monday down a backroad of biblical interpretation.

On the day before voters decide whether to legalize medical marijuana via State Question 788, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma City Republican and former Baptist preacher, took issue with a mailer that accuses him of theological hypocrisy and claims the Bible supports marijuana use.

Quoting from Genesis, the mailer from Yes on 788's political action committee states, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”

Lankford, who has made clear in recent weeks his opposition to SQ 788, called the mailer “bizarre.” He said attempts to justify marijuana use with biblical quotes are “the ultimate irony” and an effort by SQ 788 proponents to “twist reality” to win the election.