Like most states, Oklahoma has allowed individuals and businesses to apply for medical marijuana licenses. But what is the difference between these Oklahoma cannabis license types?
Whether you’re a patient seeking relief or an entrepreneur looking to enter the market, you need to know the differences. In this guide, we will look at the patient vs. grower vs. processor licenses in the state to help you find the right one for your situation.
Patient License
One of the most common licenses is the one for the patient. These patients are the center of the medical marijuana industry in the state. Individuals who suffer from a broader range of medical conditions can apply for one. Everything from chronic pain to cancer and epilepsy can find relief from cannabis products.
There is a process to receive the license. An applicant will need to be examined by a licensed physician registered with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. After that, they can submit the necessary papers and pay the fee.
Once they are approved, the patient will receive a card that allows them to legally purchase cannabis products in the state. However, the individual can only purchase these products from licensed dispensaries in Oklahoma.
Grower License
These licenses are slightly different from a patient license. Under the law, patients can grow their own plants, but there is a limit of six plants and six seeds. A grower license is designed for commercial use. When a person applies for a grower license, they are required to produce high-quality products that meet the standards set by the OMMA.
If any applicant wants to obtain a grower’s license, they need to show that their businesses will cultivate cannabis in a safe and efficient manner. During the process, the individual will be subjected to background checks, financial disclosures, and site inspections. All these steps are an important part of the evaluation process.
Growers can choose between indoor and outdoor cultivation methods. They must also adhere to strict regulations regarding security, pesticide use, and product testing. After the growers receive their licenses, they can sell their products to licensed processors and dispensaries.
Keep in mind that a grower cannot sell their own product to a patient. These products must pass directly to a licensed processor or dispensary in the state.
Processor License
Another type of license is a processor license. These individuals will take the raw cannabis from the grower and turn it into an acceptable product. Processors can produce edibles, topicals, concentrates, and tinctures. Without their help, patients would not have access to a range of products.
Applicants for a processor license must demonstrate their knowledge of product safety, extraction techniques, and quality control. After the processor receives the cannabis from a grower, they are responsible for the manufacturing process. All the labels, potency testing, and packaging must meet the OMMA standards. If it fails to do so, their licenses could be suspended, and their products removed from the shelves.
Once again, processors are not allowed to directly sell their patients. Instead, their goods can be purchased by dispensaries.
Other Licenses
There are other licenses in the state. If you want to sell cannabis products, you will need to apply for a dispensary license. Like the above-mentioned licenses, you will be subjected to a background check and other regulations to legally sell in the state. For those who want to do a medical marijuana business, you will also need to apply for a business license.
Let Up Help with Your License Application
Now that you know the differences between patients vs. growers vs. processors licenses, you can find the right one to meet your needs. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority is responsible for setting guidelines for these license types. These licenses are an important part of the medical marijuana industry in the Sooner State.
If you would like to learn more about the different Oklahoma cannabis license types, contact us at Brune Law Firm. Schedule your consultation today.