When voters approved a ballot measure in June 2018, the Sooner State joined a growing list of others that embraced the use of medical cannabis. But how do the state’s laws differ from those around the country? Let’s look at comparing Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program to other states.
Patient Access
The Sooner State takes a unique approach to patient access to medical marijuana. Unlike many states, Oklahoma laws do not limit medical marijuana use to specific qualifying conditions. Instead, all a patient needs to do is get a recommendation from a registered physician to receive a license.
The state also has provisions for issuing temporary licenses to out-of-state patients, who can receive the same legal protections as in-state patients. For that reason, many individuals travel to the state to have access to medical marijuana treatments.
The healthcare provider must be licensed and registered with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. However, they do have some discretion when recommending medical marijuana for their patients. Those who need medical cannabis are able to receive beneficial treatment for a wide range of health conditions and are not limited to a predefined list.
Compared to other states, Oklahoma acknowledges the various medical needs of its population. As a result, it takes a more patient-driven approach to medical cannabis use.
Medical Marijuana Business Regulations
The state has strict regulations regarding medical cannabis businesses. Anyone interested in obtaining a license will need to submit to an extensive background check, be a resident of the state, and meet other regulations. Many entrepreneurs in the state have focused on the medical cannabis business. For that reason, Oklahoma has one of the highest dispensary-to-population ratios in the country.
Even the fees to start a medical cannabis business are lower than in nearby states. For example, the licensing fees for Oklahoma begin at $2,500 while Arkansas requires $10,000 to initial the process.
Oklahoma has created a very competitive market for growers and processors. In fact, due to the influx of license applications, the OMMA had to put a moratorium on granting new licenses. Some have criticized the state’s handling of these businesses, which has led to calls for stricter restrictions on current and new businesses.
No Recreational Usage
While medical marijuana is booming in the state, it is still not legal to recreationally use it. Alaska, California, Colorado, and Oregon are some of the states where recreational marijuana is fully legal. Residents and visitors can purchase and consume cannabis for recreational purposes without medical restrictions.
However, there are some states, like Nevada and Washington, that have legalized recreational use but also maintain medical programs. In these states, both medical patients and recreational users coexist.
Oklahoma joins other states, such as North Dakota, New Hampshire, and Louisiana, where medical marijuana use is permitted but does not allow recreational consumption.
Local Oversight
Oklahoma does take a careful balance between providing access to patients and implementing necessary regulations to ensure safety and accountability. Growers and processors will need to test for potency, contaminants, and pesticides. With these regulations, medical marijuana users can be assured of the quality and safety of medicinal cannabis products available to patients.
Also, more focus is on allowing local control in regulating zoning and business hours. By doing so, these local communities have a voice in shaping the medical marijuana industry. This approach allows local authorities to tailor regulations according to the needs of their residents. While some states may allow their own cities and municipalities to set guidelines, many maintain stricter centralized control over zoning and operational hours.
Learn More About Oklahoma’s Medical Marijuana Program
If you have any questions about the medical marijuana industry in Oklahoma, reach out to Brune Law Firm. We are here to help you guide you through the process of licensing your business. Contact us or call (918)372-3021 to schedule a consultation.