Cannabis Laws Take Shape in Oklahoma Following House Vote

Lawmakers in the Oklahoma House of Representatives have passed a bill that creates a full set of regulations for the state’s new medical cannabis program, according to a KOCO 5 report.

Oklahoma approved its medical cannabis program last year via the successful ballot initiative State Question 788. There was attempted interference, however, on the part of the state Health Board and former Gov. Mary Fallin (R), who tasked un-elected regulators with implementing stricter rules than those approved under State Question 788. They were ordered to undo the changes, however, by the state Attorney General.

Now, State Question 788 has been expanded upon by properly elected officials. The House of Representatives voted 93-5 in favor of approving what’s being called the “Unity Bill.”

“This is one of those bills where the politicians aren’t necessarily happy the business owners aren’t necessarily happy, which means it’s a win-win on both sides, a good middle-ground approach to all this. … This is something that’s definitely needed to make sure businesses are operating appropriately. There’s elements that everybody needed, and there’s elements that make it a little bit more difficult than it is now to run a business. But, it makes us more responsible to the patients at the end of the day.” — Corbin Wyatt, CEO of The Peak Dispensary, via KOCO 5

Designed to support the very broad but vague language of State Question 788, the Unity Bill sets standards for inspections, inventory, advertising, labeling, and packaging. The bill also makes it clear that Oklahomans with a medical cannabis license are still allowed to purchase firearms — contrary to federal law.

The bill now moves to the state Senate, where it must first clear the Rules Committee before it can be considered by the full Senate floor.