Compounds in cannabis, like cannabinoids and terpenes, degrade over time. This natural breakdown occurs due to many factors, including light, temperature, moisture and air.
Each of these factors can diminish the quality of the product and shorten its shelf life. But patients and caregivers can keep products safe and effective by making note of a few storage tips:
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Time: Over time, the compounds in a product will degrade and diminish the effects for patients. Consider the length of time you've had a medical cannabis product when determining dosage.
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Light: Keep medical cannabis products in a dark or dimly lit area to protect them from light degradation.
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Temperature: Store medical cannabis products at room temperature or cool environments. Terpenes evaporate easily from medical cannabis products.
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Moisture: Keep medical cannabis products in a dry place. Exposure to moisture may cause mold to develop in or around products.
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Air: Store medical cannabis products in an airtight container if possible. Oxygen is known to be a contributing factor to the degradation of cannabinoids which will impact potency. For example, delta-9 THC when exposed to oxygen over a period of time will degrade to CBN, which produces a different pharmacological effect.
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Finally: Consider asking your budtender how they store products. Most importantly, make sure all medical cannabis products are placed out of the reach of children and pets.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Oklahoma medical cannabis industry employees can apply for the new credential issued by OMMA and required by state law. Current employees must apply for a credential on or before Jan. 31, 2024.
The new state law, Senate Bill 1704 (2022), requires employees of licensed medical cannabis businesses to receive credentials from OMMA. Licensed businesses are also responsible for ensuring their employees have a valid credential or pending application. Credentials will be valid until Jan. 31 of the following year and cost $30 plus any associated processing fees.
To apply for a credential, employees must log in to the Thentia licensing portal. Applicants must submit proof of identity, including a state and national background check. OMMA encourages those seeking credentials to start the process early to allow for the time needed to complete the required background checks.
The full list of requirements and other helpful information can be found on OMMA’s credentialing page at omma.ok.gov/credentialing.
When lawmakers create new state laws regarding medical marijuana, OMMA enters the rulemaking process to incorporate the new state laws into OMMA’s permanent rules.
Permanent rulemaking involves an extensive public comment period, and the next opportunity opens Jan. 16, 2024, on a new set of proposed permanent rules.
A copy of the proposed permanent rules will be available soon at omma.ok.gov/comment, where you can also be a part of the rulemaking process by providing feedback during the comment period.
Visit omma.ok.gov/rules for a copy of OMMA’s current rules and to learn more about the rulemaking process.
Stay updated with the latest OMMA news by bookmarking and checking frequently omma.ok.gov/news. There, you can find news releases and copies of digital newsletters for patients as well as commercial licensees.
Visit omma.ok.gov/data to view the latest licensing and tax data, plus the OMMA Dashboard which provides a snapshot of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry.
OMMA-licensed patients have rights and responsibilities associated with their medical marijuana license. Visit omma.ok.gov/rights to learn more.
As a reminder, OMMA can order embargoes. OMMA-licensed businesses can issue recalls, and OMMA can also ask businesses to issue them. Be sure to bookmark and refer to our Embargoed and Recalled Products webpage at omma.ok.gov/recall. State laws and OMMA rules require the businesses to provide notice to patients who bought recalled products.
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