If you want to enter the medical cannabis business in Oklahoma, there are a few stipulations that you will need to meet. The Sooner State wants to ensure that all applicants and business owners provide the highest-quality products to those most in need. Oklahoma’s cannabis licensing process is not complicated, but you will need to meet several requirements.
Types of Licenses
All cannabis-related products are regulated by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. This agency is responsible for issuing patient licenses, approving business permits, and ensuring standards in the state’s marijuana industry. Before you apply for a license, there are several types, depending on how you plan to operate in the state.
Dispensary Licenses
If you want to sell medical marijuana and related products, a dispensary license is required. With these designations, you can sell mature plants, seedlings, and other products to individuals with a medical marijuana license and other licensed dispensaries. All dispensaries need to adhere to Title 63 O.S. § 420 et seq. and the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 442:10. Once you receive a license, it is valid for a year.
Transporter License
If you want to move or transport your product, that is another license in the state. These licenses are usually issued at the same time as a dispensary license. With that, you (or your agents) can lawfully transport medical marijuana and other related products to other licensed businesses.
Processor License
With a processor license, you will have the legal authorization to process and manufacture cannabis products for medical purposes. Processors can convert marijuana into oils, tinctures, or waxes. Additionally, they can create edible medical products like gummies, chocolates, or baked goods.
Once you have this license, you can sell them to licensed dispensaries or other licensed processors. However, this license is also needed to test, package, and label the products in accordance with state regulations. Under the law, when you process these items, you need to make sure they are safe, of high quality, and meet the required standards before they reach the consumer.
Grower License
Finally, the last license is a grower license. This permit allows an individual or organization to legally cultivate marijuana for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
All licensed growers must comply with state laws and regulations governing the cultivation of marijuana. In Oklahoma, these individuals need to be listed in the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) licensed growers directory.
Tips for the License Application
Right now, there is a moratorium on new licenses, but they could open up in the near future. Regardless, it is best to prepare for the process.
If you’re interested in obtaining a dispensary license in Oklahoma, there are a few eligibility requirements that you need to meet. Anyone interested in applying for a license must be at least 25 years old and a resident of Oklahoma.
Also, you must establish a legal business entity and register it with the Secretary of State. Once you meet these requirements, you can begin with the application process.
With that, you will need to pay the application fees. These are calculated as 10% of the sum of one year of the dispensary’s combined annual state sales tax and state medical marijuana tax. The minimum fee is $2,500, and the maximum fee is $10,000.
Additionally, you must pass a criminal history background check, and all owners and officers of the business must undergo this check.
After that all, you can submit a completed application on the OMMA portal for review.
If there is one tip that you will absolutely need, it is to make sure the application is completed in full and contains all the required information. Otherwise, it could lead to rejection, and you will need to start the process all over.
With any licenses, the OMMA usually processes commercial license applications within 90 business days.
Get More Tips for Applicants and Business Owners
That is a quick look at Oklahoma’s cannabis licensing process. All of these licenses have stringent requirements. Once you receive a license, you will need to stay compliant to avoid penalties or even a revocation of the permit.
If you have any questions about your cannabis-based business, you will want to contact Brune Law Firm. Contact us or call (918) 372-3021 to schedule a consultation.