One of the most important steps in starting a company is getting a business license from the state. This license allows you to operate your company legally. Plus, it ensures you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
For those interested in the marijuana business, there are different types of licenses in the Oklahoma cannabis industry. While there is a current moratorium on new licensure, you can still use this information to plan for the future. Here are a few points to know about licensing in the state.
Grower License
With a grower’s license, a business can legally grow marijuana for medical purposes in Oklahoma. However, licensed growers can only sell to licensed processors, dispensaries, and other growers. This license allows businesses to cultivate their own cannabis plants to sell to other companies or process into other products. But there are restrictions on where and how the plants can be grown.
Processor License
Processing is different from growing. This license allows a business to take raw cannabis plants and process them into other products. Some of these items can include:
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Oils
Processors have the biggest responsibilities in the business. They must make sure all products abide by the strict regulations in the state. These individuals also need the correct documentation to ensure the product has the right potency. Like growers, processors must comply with the state’s regulations and sell their products to only licensed dispensaries.
Dispensary License
If you want to sell products directly to a medical patient, you will need a dispensary license. With that, a business can sell products from various growers and processors.
However, it is not as easy as opening a store and waiting for patients to buy the product. These dispensaries must adhere to strict regulations. The rules outline everything from security measures to product tracking. Failing to follow these regulations can lead to a revocation of their business license.
Transporter License
The last type of license is a transporter license. This license allows a business to move products from one licensed facility to another. If you have this license, you cannot grow, process, or sell any product; you are responsible strictly for transportation.
What About the Moratorium on Licenses?
There is currently a moratorium on new dispensary, grower, and processor licenses in Oklahoma. It started on August 26, 2022, and was recently extended to August 1, 2026. However, if all pending licensing reviews, inspections, or investigations are completed, then the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority could decide to lift it. Until then, all new licenses are at a standstill. Keep in mind that the moratorium does not affect current licenses. Business owners can still apply for renewal.
Learn More About Your Licensing Options
There are different types of licenses in the Oklahoma cannabis industry. They each play a vital role in the state. While the OMMA is not issuing new licenses, you can still explore these options for the future.
Whether you want to know more about licenses or have a question about the cannabis industry, you need an experienced legal team. At Brune Law, we can help keep your business compliant with any laws and regulations. Call (918) 238-7580 to schedule an appointment with our legal team.