While today, Oklahoma is a welcoming state for those who need medical cannabis, it has not always been that way. Like most states, there was a prohibition on usage, cultivation, and selling of marijuana-derived products.
Over the years, the Sooner State has lifted a few restrictions. However, recreational usage is still a hurdle that many residents would like to abolish. Let’s examine the fascinating journey of cannabis laws in Oklahoma, tracing the path from ban to boom.
Early Restrictions and Legalization
Oklahoma was not always a welcoming state for those who wanted to use cannabis. In the early 1930s, the nation was worried about “Reefer Madness” spreading through their communities. As a result, state legislatures enacted strict prohibition laws, which criminalized the possession, sale, and use of marijuana.
However, that all changed in 2015. Oklahoma passed a bill that allowed those suffering from severe epilepsy to use low-THC CBD oil. This was the first step toward repealing the prohibition of cannabis-based products in the state.
Not until 2018 did Oklahoma voters approve State Question 788. In essence, this vote allowed for the legalization of medical marijuana. Once the state approved this specific usage, there was a surge in medical cannabis patient applicants and those seeking to open cannabis-related businesses.
As of today, there are over 10,000 licensed medical marijuana businesses, including dispensaries, cultivation centers, and processing facilities.
Concerns for Oklahoma
Unfortunately, even with the boom, the industry has had a few problems. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is the agency responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the cannabis business. There have been recent issues that have troubled many patients and operators in the state. Some of them include:
- In November 2023, OMMA issued a recall notice affecting commercial licensees and licensed patients. The recall focused on vape cartridge products that were not properly tested by the processor.
- In the same month, OMMA announced legal action against 165 grow facilities for signage noncompliance.
- A study commissioned by OMMA revealed that Oklahoma may be overproducing marijuana by 64 times the amount needed by licensed consumers. There is a concern that with an oversupply, it could end up in the illegal market and out-of-state distribution.
With the rise in the industry, there were thousands of applications for new businesses in the state. In fact, there were so many that the OMMA couldn’t process them in a timely manner. As a result, the OMMA implemented a moratorium on processing applications for new grower, processor, and dispensary licenses.
However, current license holders are not impacted by the new rules. With that, they can apply for license renewals as they are due. As of April 2024, this moratorium is set to expire on August 1, 2024, or earlier if the Executive Director determines that all pending license reviews, inspections, or investigations are complete.
Learn More About the Ever-Changing Cannabis Laws in Oklahoma
From prohibition to medical use legalization, Oklahoma’s cannabis industry has blossomed. The once-forbidden plant provides relief to patients and has increased revenue in the state. If you have any questions about marijuana legalization or would like to learn more about cannabis laws in Oklahoma, reach out to Brune Law Firm. You can schedule a consultation by contacting us at 918-233-8681.