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OMMA IS ON ITS OWN

Back in 2018 when we voted on medical marijuana the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) was placed within the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). As of November 1, 2022, the OMMA will be its own stand-alone agency thanks to Senate Bill 1543. The OMMA has been and will continue to process license applications for individuals, work with legislatures, craft and enforce rules, and conduct investigations related to violations.

Since its inception, the OMMA has facilitated many rules and regulation changes regarding the use and consumption of medical marijuana. The largest recent impact came in the form of a commercial license moratorium which may last two full years. This moratorium was the result of House Bill 3208 and went into effect on August 26, 2022.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat was the author of Senate Bill 1543 and provided “It’s important that OMMA has the ability to meet the ever-changing needs of Oklahoma’s marijuana industry, and separating the authority as a standalone agency will give OMMA the flexibility it needs to effectively lead in all facets, including enforcing the laws set forth by the Legislature and investigating any violations.”

Regarding the change, Executive Director of OMMA, Adria Berry, stated “At the end of the day, our priority is patient safety. I believe OMMA operating as an independent agency will ultimately allow us to regulate the industry more efficiently, which will in turn benefit the patients.”

The impact of this change will be apparent in time. The legislature has made several changes to the medical marijuana industry and making the OMMA a stand-alone agency is an attempt to “cut down on the black market that threatens the wellbeing of Oklahomans and properly regulate the legitimate businesses approved by voters.” House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols.

Whether the OMMA being a stand agency has had any impact on this “goal” has yet to be determined.

FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL JADE@BICLEGAL.COM

- Jade