Marijuana regulations in Oklahoma halted

Oklahoma State is a great example of how a state can swiftly move towards establishing a medical marijuana program. On June 26, 2018, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 788, which legalizes medical cannabis. The Oklahoma Department of Health began accepting cannapreneur applications on August 31, 2018, after two months.

Patients need to be aware of the process of finding a medical marijuana doctor in Oklahoma. Patients who have been authorized to possess and cultivate cannabis may only buy it from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries if they live too far away from one. The Oklahoma medical marijuana program has become one of the most substantial in the country in just two years since its inception, with a focus on patients’ needs. In October 2019, state officials had authorized 200,000 patients and 7000 medical cannabis enterprises.

However, in August of 2019, the medicinal cannabis sector of Oklahoma began to complain. New rules were put into place for firms. There was some consternation among cannabis company owners for a sound reason. Is the “green rush” in Oklahoma over, with new legislative restrictions and license limitations expected?

The latest developments

Although Oklahoma’s marijuana market appears to be strong, the “green rush” may not continue indefinitely. Because of its ease of entry as a business owner, Oklahoma is known as the “Wild West of Weed.” Low license fees with OMMA and plenty of commercial space are among the benefits of operating a cannabis company in Oklahoma.

The most up-to-date information has resulted in the shutdown of several marijuana dispensaries. The state’s statement caused a stir within the cannabis community. State law requires business owners to have lived in Oklahoma for two years before applying for a business license. Many cannabis businesses were disrupted by the new regulation. Some were trapped in commercial leases that were not designed for the cannabis sector.

Is it time to close up shop? Oklahoma cannapreneurs are not allowed to do so. Is it time to relocate? It’s both expensive and disruptive for businesses. Dispensaries may risk losing the client base they’ve cultivated. Then, as a result of a lawsuit, some relief came for Oklahoma marijuana company owners.

Licensing and other cannabis regulations are temporarily suspended

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced that all cannabis businesses will be temporarily exempt from location and residency restrictions. After some companies sued the state over the legality of the regulations, this was announced.

A group of Oklahomans filed a lawsuit against the state, demanding that cannabis business owners be allowed to stay in their homes and operate under Oklahoma law. The regulations required marijuana company owners to have lived in Oklahoma for at least two years. Schools were also forbidden from locating within 1000 feet of medical marijuana dispensaries.

The OMMA has now announced that it will reconsider its position after the lawsuit made it to court. During license renewal applications, the organization will no longer consider residency or location requirements. This is only true if the company’s owner submitted an application for a license prior to the legislation going into effect.

All past license renewal requests will be revisited. However, they will be accepted if previously rejected owing to the new rules. As long as firms applied for licenses before the new laws went into effect, they have the right to continue operating in Oklahoma until their next license is due.

If new rules are implemented, patients’ access to medical cannabis may deteriorate

If your local Oklahoma medical marijuana cardholders’ nearest facility is shut, they will be disappointed. The state is already vast, and the majority of dispensaries are located in more populous areas. Rural patients are being left out.

Luckily, there are medical marijuana doctors available who can help rural patients get the care they need. These doctors can provide medical marijuana cards to qualified patients, so they can purchase medical cannabis from a dispensary.

The state filed suit against the plaintiffs, claiming that the case should be dismissed since the laws are unconstitutional. The business owners also want the court to declare that their legal challenge is moot because of a statute of limitations. Because it would create turmoil in Oklahoma’s rapidly growing medical marijuana industry. And because of increased healthcare and administrative spending as a result of Covid-19.