Oklahoma Enacts Small Changes to Medical Marijuana Regulations

Oklahoma cannabis dispensaries and patients will be navigating some small changes to the medical marijuana regulations starting this week. House Bill 2612, also known as the “Unity Bill,” is now in full effect and authorizes the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to make rules as the industry evolves. The most recent changes to Oklahoma’s medical marijuana regulations reflect months of meetings between industry stakeholders, advocates, and a bi-partisian and bi-cameral legislative committee.

Inventory Tracking Software

The biggest changes for medical marijuana dispensaries is that they will need to obtain a certificate of compliance from their local jurisdiction as well as implementing a seed-to-sale inventory tracking software. The certificate of compliance is essentially a way for state regulators to ensure that all storefronts are in compliance with local zoning laws in addition to all fire, waste and building codes.

Oklahoma medical marijuana dispensaries are now required to use a cannabis specific POS software capable of tracking inventory from seed-to-sale. The tracking software must also be able to integrate with the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system that should be chosen in the near future. The goal behind these amendment to the medical marijuana regulations is to prevent any product from being diverted to the black market for illegal sales.

Cannabis License Renewal

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority started accepting renewal applications through its online portal on Friday and will have 90 business days to review business license applications or renewal requests. Once regulators have reviewed an application, they have an additional 14 business days to decide whether to approve or deny the business application.

Rollins recently explained that, “We’ve actually sent out … messaging so they know what to expect as far as how to renew their licenses and hopefully offering them some comfort.” These efforts should make the renewal process less stressful than the initial application.

Certificate of Compliance

It is important to note that local municipalities are not allowed to “unduly restrict” medical marijuana dispensaries from opening in their towns or cities. However this could present problems for businesses who still need their local certificate of compliance to renew their license.

Tulsa attorney Ron Durbin pointed out that, “The state and OMMA did not do any kind of work to give cities or counties any kind of guidance on what it is they’re looking for. Many cities and counties did not institute ordinances related to this, so they’re left in confusion on what they’re being asked to do. Even if you’re perfectly legal and operating for a year, it’s possible you can’t get your license renewed because your city or county could just refuse to sign it.” 

There are some additional medical marijuana regulations in regards to packaging and labelling that dispensaries must adhere to to remain compliant. All product labels must contain information on the product potency and whether it’s been tested for contaminants and the packaging must under no circumstances appeal to underage consumers.