LEGISLATIVE COLUMN Medical Marijuana

By Rep. John George, HD 36

Since Oklahomans voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2018, the Legislature has been tasked with drafting laws in order to better regulate the growth, distribution and sale of this product in our state in an effort to keep the public safe. This year was no different for this ever evolving industry. Here’s a look at a few of the laws passed this past session.

House Bill 2807 allows licensed medical marijuana transporters to temporarily store products that are documented and traceable in the seed-to-sale tracking system. The measure also requires pre-rolls to be sold in prepackaged form. Dispensaries must sell or dispose of all non-prepackaged inventory by Nov. 1.

Senate Bill 1066 requires the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to maintain a registry of recommending physicians. A physician must be registered to provide a medical marijuana recommendation to a licensed patient.

House Bill 2837 requires all employees of medical marijuana businesses to complete an OMMA-approved training course and submit proof of completion to receive their employee credentials.

Senate Bill 774 modifies provisions regarding the identification number on medical marijuana licenses used to validate the authenticity of the license. The ID number must be 12 characters instead of 24 and must use a specific type of barcode. This applies to any new or replacement patient licenses issued after the act’s effective date.

Senate Bill 518 requires labels on medical marijuana containers to warn against using marijuana while driving or pregnant. The label also must say the product has been tested for contaminants.

Senate Bill 1039 allows a rejected medical marijuana patient applicant to submit any missing application information within 30 days of rejection. The measure also requires medical marijuana business, transporter, dispensary and other applicants to pay all fees in full within 45 days of notification or have their application denied.

While some of these measures offer cleanups for industry workers, others address important public safety measures. Undoubtedly, we’ll continue working to make sure this industry that voters chose is safely regulated going forward.

Remember, even though the Legislature is not in session, I’m still at the Capitol off and on through the interim, and I’m still available. Please feel free to continue to reach out with any thoughts or concerns on legislation. I can be reached at (405) 557-7322 or at john.george@okhouse.gov.

As always, thank you for electing me to serve District 36.

Rep. John George, a Republican, serves District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.