When I became the executive director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority in August 2021, one of my top priorities was to help safeguard Oklahomans and the medical marijuana industry from those operating illegally, skirting the system or profiting at the expense of law-abiding businesses.
To that end, on May 26, 2022, OMMA fully implemented Metrc — our statewide seed-to-sale tracking system designed to help us regulate Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry. This system, coupled with an increase in compliance and enforcement staff, gives OMMA the tools needed to properly regulate one of Oklahoma’s largest industries.
I know implementing Metrc was a difficult task for both OMMA and the industry, to say the least. Certainly, there were plenty of bumps along the way, and many questions linger about why Metrc was chosen and why the implementation was done all in one day. As a reminder, Metrc was chosen in September 2020 through the standard state government RFP contract process. OMMA was then bound by a court order to implement Metrc by May 26, 2022, giving the industry 90 days to become Metrc-compliant.
Through the struggles and bumps in the road, we’ve taken your feedback, questions, comments and complaints directly to Metrc every single time. Some answers are quick and easy, others take days to solve. At the end of the day, I want you to know that we are working on every issue you’ve brought us and will not let problems go unsolved.
Thank you for partnering with us in this endeavor and your patience working with us to implement Metrc in Oklahoma. And most importantly, thank you for representing the industry in the manner it deserves.
With gratitude,
Adria G. Berry | Executive Director
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority
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Now that the 2022 legislative session has ended, our Policy team has compiled below a brief summary of medical marijuana legislation signed into law by the governor. We’ve also updated our Legislative Updates webpage to reflect the outcome of the legislative session.
The end of the legislative session also marks the beginning of the rulemaking process, turning laws into regulations. The public will have the opportunity to be part of this process, and we will provide updates throughout the administrative rulemaking process on the OMMA website.
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House Bill 2179: Creates a tiered commercial grower fee structure based on size and type of facility — annual fees would range from the current $2,500 to more than $50,000. Under the terms of the bill, processor license fees will be determined by volume and range from $2,500 to $40,000. Dispensaries will pay $2,500 to $10,000, based on annual sales. Testing laboratories will pay a flat $20,000. Effective June 1, 2023.
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House Bill 3019: Adjusts packaging standards to allow clear packaging for edibles but requires opaque exit packaging for carrying out of the dispensary. Effective Nov. 1, 2022.
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House Bill 3208: Places a moratorium on new business licenses between Aug. 1, 2022, and Aug. 1, 2024. The legislation itself takes effect July 1, 2022. OMMA will incorporate the legislation into new emergency rules that will take effect in July before the moratorium begins Aug. 1, 2022. Current grower, dispensary and processor licenses are not included in the moratorium. OMMA will accept new grower, dispensary and processor applications through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 1, 2022. Read more about HB 3208.
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House Bill 3530: Creates a revolving fund to be used by OMMA to establish programs and provide funding to support county sheriff enforcement of medical marijuana laws and regulations. Effective immediately.
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House Bill 3929: By Jan. 1, 2024, OMMA must promulgate rules to create a process validation program in which licensees may voluntarily participate. Effective immediately.
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House Bill 3971: By Jan. 1, 2024, OMMA must create a “secret shopper” program by rule promulgation to purchase medical marijuana in dispensaries and send samples for testing. Effective January 1, 2024.
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House Bill 4056: After receiving recommendations from QA lab and a committee of licensed labs, OMMA must promulgate rules by Jan. 1, 2024, that set out required equipment and standards to be used by all licensed labs. Effective immediately.
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Senate Bill 1367: Enhances penalties for the unlawful diversion of medical marijuana products to someone not legally allowed to acquire or consume them. Effective Nov. 1, 2022.
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Senate Bill 1511: Prohibits commercial grow operations within 1,000 feet of a school. The legislation makes an exception for established businesses. SB 1511 is already in effect — it was effective immediately when Gov. Kevin Stitt signed it in March.
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Senate Bill 1543: Establishes OMMA as an independent state agency separate from the state Department of Health. Effective Nov. 1, 2022. Read more about SB 1543 on our website.
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Senate Bill 1704: Requires all employees of medical marijuana businesses to apply for a badge/credential beginning Jan. 1, 2024, and allows OMMA to contract with a third party to provide those services. Effective Nov. 1, 2022.
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Senate Bill 1726: Adds technology centers primarily used for classroom instruction to the list of school buildings that dispensaries and grows must be at least 1,000 feet away from. Effective immediately.
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Senate Bill 1737: Outdoor growers must register as a sensitive crop, and all commercial growers must post signage at the perimeter of the property with specific information. Effective Nov. 1, 2022.
Medical Marijuana Advisory Council Meeting
The next meeting of the Medical Marijuana Advisory Council is scheduled for June 20, 2022, at 1 p.m. in Room 535 of the Oklahoma State Capitol Building. The agenda and meeting materials are forthcoming, so be sure to check our webpage periodically.
Updated Website
The OMMA website has a new look! We’ve reorganized it for quicker, easier navigation from the homepage and made it more user-friendly on mobile devices. Aside from improved accessibility, site visitors will notice new information and other OMMA initiatives. OMMA is also collaborating with our partners on integrating real-time updates on the homepage. OMMA worked closely with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to carry this project through to the finish line.
Cannabis Banking
OMMA is a member of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that convenes government officials involved in cannabis regulation across more than 40 states and U.S. territories. CANNRA and its members recently sent a letter to Congress urging federal lawmakers to act and address cannabis banking.
Conglomerate Testing
Reminder: Conglomerate testing is not allowed. All products and flower must be tested individually.
New Packaging and Labeling Guide
Have you seen our updated Packaging & Labeling Guide? It's in the Inspections and Compliance section of our Forms webpage. The guide has information about new legislation going into effect Nov. 1, 2022.
Note on Labeling
OMMA has received reports that some licensees may be using labels that say “OMMA Compliant” or something similar on their product packaging. OMMA does not pre-inspect products before they’re available for sale. Labels that say “OMMA Compliant” or something similar could potentially violate OMMA rules that do not allow labels that can be misleading, confuse patients or have the OMMA logo. Please report any possible violations using our Business Complaint Form.
Speaker Requests
If you would like someone from OMMA to speak at an event, fill out the OMMA Speaker Request Form. We kindly ask for at least three weeks' notice ahead of speaking engagements.
Metrc Support Tickets
Once you submit a support ticket to Metrc about an issue, please be patient and wait for Metrc to contact you. If you call or email again about the same issue, Metrc will open a new ticket which creates a longer wait.
Metrc Testing Samples
Both a primary and a reserve sample are needed for proper testing in Metrc. Please see the flowchart below. You can also download a PDF version of the flowchart from our website.
View our Licensing and Tax Data webpage.
 
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