Now that cannabis is legal in Oklahoma, it makes sense to consider its future!
But enforcement remained one of Oklahoma’s biggest MMP challenges in 2021.
OMMA’s limited ability to enforce the rules and regulations made it a problem. It lacked the inspectors necessary to inspect every marijuana establishment, even though it had all the legal authority to enact the laws. According to Oklahoma’s medical marijuana law, a person must have a valid medical card in order to use marijuana to treat any health conditions; otherwise, they risk facing legal ramifications. To obtain your medical marijuana card, get in touch with a medical marijuana doctor.
But the OMMA is getting closer to achieving its 2022 staffing targets.
In Oklahoma, there are currently three ballot initiatives and numerous bills pertaining to cannabis in the works.
But Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, the organization that wrote the successful medical initiative in 2018, is attempting to put two separate initiatives on the ballot this autumn.
One example is SQ 818, also known as the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Enforcement and Anti-Corruption Act.
The state’s medical marijuana program is intended to be expanded and revised by this act. But a new state organization called the Oklahoma State Cannabis Commission was created to take over the OMMA’s duties and manage matters pertaining to cannabis.
With the creation of this new organization, the existing excise taxes on medical marijuana products will be replaced by a 7% retail tax. The money raised will go toward funding cannabis research, rural impact, agricultural development, urban waste remediation, substance abuse treatment, mental health response programs, and many other initiatives.
Another example is SQ 819, commonly referred to as the Oklahoma Marijuana Regulation and Right to Use Act.
Under this Act, anyone who is 21 years of age or older is permitted to purchase up to 8 ounces of cannabis.
The adults can grow up to 12 marijuana plants at home or purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. All they will need is an MMJ card to legally visit a dispensary and purchase marijuana products without facing any legal repercussions.
15% of the excise taxes would be applied to retail cannabis products. This initiative lists a number of state initiatives, such as cannabis research, drug abuse treatment, and law enforcement training, that are partially funded by taxes.
The law also creates a path for marijuana conviction expungements and resentencing for those with prior convictions.
Since both of the aforementioned initiatives are constitutional amendments, the organizers will need a minimum of 177958 legitimate signatures from the registered voter base in order for each initiative to be eligible for the ballot.
Additionally, the New Approach PAC has submitted a different initiative with the same goal of decriminalizing cannabis.
SQ820 allows adults who are at least 21 years old to purchase up to one ounce of cannabis. Additionally, it permits the personal cultivation of up to six mature marijuana plants.
The current OMMA is in charge of licensing cannabis businesses and overseeing the MMP as a whole.
The production of medical marijuana for adult use will be subject to a 15% excise tax, the proceeds of which will go entirely to the “Oklahoma Marijuana Revenue Trust Fund.”
The MMP administration costs will be covered by this fund amount, with the remaining funds being divided among various municipalities, such as
- 10% of the sales were made.
- 30% goes toward the general fund.
- The State Judicial Revolving Fund will receive 10%.
- 30% for grants in public education
- 20% of grants go toward the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
- Not only is the proposal constitutional, but it also qualifies for the ballot with fewer signatures needed.
Right now, all three initiatives are in charge of valid challenges, and signature gathering is put on hold until the court’s ruling is released.
Marijuana businesses spiraled out of control.
Given the state of cannabis companies today, nobody is certain how many there are in Oklahoma.
Nonetheless, Oklahoma’s expanding cannabis businesses show just how swiftly the marijuana market has expanded.
Furthermore, it highlights the obstacles OMMA faces in trying to regulate the entire industry.
Nevertheless, since a sizable portion of businesses will not even be compliant with the new laws, the entire Oklahoma cannabis industry may witness a decrease in the number of marijuana business licenses in 2022.
Changes within the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority
One significant development for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority in the upcoming year may be its separation into a separate organization.
Currently, it is under the jurisdiction of the State Health Department, but lawmakers have discussed the possibility of the OMMA handling it independently.
“OMA is big enough that they can fund themselves through the excise tax and licensing fees,” stated Fetgatter in a statement. Because it deals with public health and safety, they demand that it be an independent organization that can make decisions without going through red tape.
But when questioned about the Capitol’s discussions to create an independent agency, Berry expressed her satisfaction that OMMA has a seat at the table.
What are the authorities’ opinions on the matter?
“We are hopeful that Oklahoma residents will have an opportunity to decide in favor of ending this failed marijuana criminalization policy,” stated Jax James, State Policy Manager for NORML. He went on to say that we would vote in favor of legalizing cannabis if that were the case, and we are all confident in that.
Apart from the initiatives, the legislature is home to numerous bills related to marijuana, many of which are merely placeholders that will be filled in as the session goes on.
Bottom Line!
Since the cannabis market is expanding, so are cannabis-related businesses.
Oklahoma boasts one of the strongest medical marijuana programs for accessibility in the country. But there are still severe penalties for using cannabis as an adult.