Medical marijuana is now legal in the state of Oklahoma

Oklahoma became the 30th state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, when voters approved a ballot measure. More than 57% of voters supported this change, which will allow doctors to prescribe marijuana for any medical condition they believe would benefit from the drug. Many people are surprised by this, given that Oklahoma is generally considered to be one of the more conservative states in the country. In addition to approving this measure, this law is among the most progressive medical marijuana laws in the United States, allowing marijuana doctors to prescribe cannabis at their discretion.

State officials were outspoken in their opposition to the bill, which passed despite their public statements. Some people think this shows that people are becoming more open to using cannabis for medical reasons in the whole country, which is good news for people who want to use it. It also shows that medical marijuana access is a nonpartisan issue in Oklahoma, which has been a red state for decades.

As Election Day approaches

No comprehensive medical marijuana law was in place in Oklahoma, but there was limited availability to non-psychoactive cannabis extracts, as in many other states. To be clear, these medications were only made available to people with severe medical conditions like epilepsy or other types of seizure disorders. A ballot measure in Oklahoma, State Question 788, gave the public a chance to weigh in on the issue. In the run-up to the election, however, there was a lot of opposition to it. Religious organizations, business organizations, and even government officials, such as Republican Senator James Lankford and Governor Mary Fallin, were among the dissidents.

Many people believe that officials placed the candidate on the ballot for the June primary election in an attempt to undermine its chances of passing. Compared to the fall general elections, these elections tend to draw an older, more conservative electorate. They may have hoped that people who support medicinal cannabis would be less willing to vote because they are younger.

Several groups, including the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Department and the DDA (District Attorneys Association), made a last-ditch effort to defeat the legislation. An opposition group even launched a $500,000 marketing blitz in an attempt to sabotage the vote.

Drug policy reform groups, on the other hand, did not give much money to those who supported medical marijuana legislation. Voters in the June primary election approved the initiative against all odds.

What does this mean for people in Oklahoma?

A major step forward in medical marijuana legislation has been made in Oklahoma, despite strong opposition, with the passage of State Question 788. People’s voices are still being taken into account despite official opposition.

In contrast to other state programs, Oklahoma will not get a predetermined list of medical conditions that are eligible for coverage under the program. As a result, medical marijuana doctors can prescribe cannabis to those they believe would benefit from it.

Even though Governor Fallin opposed the legislation, she has stated that she will honor the will of the people. Fearing that this legal system would open it up to the legalization of recreational marijuana, she was most concerned. During such a special legislature this summer, she will collaborate with legislators to ensure the safety and health of Oklahomans. As a result, they intend to:

• Decide on the best course of action.
• Inquire about the rules and regulations.
• Set up a legal framework
• Insist that cannabis be used only to treat legitimate medical conditions.

What’s in the New Legislation?

There are still several changes and provisions that could be made to the new law, but as written, it would make it easier to obtain medical marijuana in the state. It would begin with a new office for the Oklahoma State Health Department. The following would be their responsibilities:

• Enforce the rules.
• Allow growers, producers, and distributors to apply for licenses.
• Watch over issuing IDs for medical cannabis patients.

As long as they have permission from a board-certified physician, any adult over the age of 18 can get an ID card. The consent of parents or guardians is required, as are the approvals of two doctors. Alternatively, patients can assign a caregiver to buy or grow cannabis on their behalf.

When patients have their government ID card, they’ll be able to do the following:

• A person may have up to 3 ounces of marijuana on them at any given time.
• Keep up to 8 ounces of it at home for emergency use.
• 6 mature plants and 6 seedlings are allowed to be grown at a time.
• Tobacco concentrates up to a gram in your possession

According to the new law, even those who do not have a medicinal cannabis identification card would be protected in some way. People caught with much less than a half-ounce of marijuana would face misdemeanor charges if they claimed they had a medical need for the drug, according to a new law in New Hampshire. A $400 fine would be the maximum penalty for this type of offense.

The state’s coffers will thank you once the new law is passed and put into effect. An official license from the state’s medical marijuana office is required for companies that process, cultivate, & transport, or dispense marijuana. Cannabis purchases will also be subject to a 7% retail tax. If the state’s medical marijuana program generates more revenue than it needs, all of it will go toward the state’s education and drug rehabilitation programs.

Perspectives on the Future

Gov. Fallin has stated that lawmakers will begin debating the execution of this legislation as quickly as this summer. This means that patients in Oklahoma will be able to access medical marijuana treatment very soon.

We at digidrs.com, a leading proponent of medical marijuana legislation across the country, will keep you informed of any developments in Oklahoma and beyond. During the general elections in the fall, more states will consider similar legislation, and we’ll be here to report on the results.

You won’t have to look far for a qualified prescribing doctor in Oklahoma once they’ve set up their medical cannabis program. We can put you in touch with the best Oklahoma’s medical marijuana doctors.