The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) completed a three-day special emphasis assignment in Muskogee County on April 25 that resulted in five Emergency Orders of Summary Suspension and the execution of four search warrants by law enforcement partners.
The warrants led to significant seizures, including approximately 32,000 cannabis plants, 2,000 pounds of harvested marijuana, more than $207,000 in cash and the confiscation of six firearms.
“Alongside state and federal partners, OMMA continues to take decisive action to shut down illegal marijuana operations,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “We will have law and order in Oklahoma, and my administration will use every tool at our disposal to bring criminals to justice. Our neighborhoods are safer today because of OMMA’s work, and I’m grateful to all our law enforcement agencies for their close collaboration.”
OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry added, “OMMA is working hard every day to oversee the regulation of medical cannabis in Oklahoma. In order to achieve a well-regulated market that provides patients with access to safe cannabis products, we will continue shutting down bad actors one county at a time. From dispensaries to processors to growers, we won’t stop until the only cannabis businesses standing are compliant and law-abiding. We appreciate our law enforcement partners for assisting our efforts.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt approved OMMA emergency rule updates that will go into effect June 1, 2024.
The emergency rules update and clarify testing requirements for licensed testing laboratories beginning June 1, 2024.
The June 1 emergency rules will implement legislative changes mandated by House Bill 4056 (2022) and address changes in state law under 63 O.S. § 427.17. The rules also incorporate recommendations for equipment, standards and operating procedures submitted by a committee of licensed Oklahoma medical marijuana laboratories to OMMA on June 1, 2023.
Based on the laboratory standardization committee recommendations, the new emergency rules will amend testing requirements in Subchapter 8, including OAC 442:10-8-1, OAC 442:10-8-2, OAC 442:10-8-3, OAC 442:10-8-4 and OAC 442:10-8-5. OMMA also received feedback during the public comment period for proposed permanent rules and adjusted the laboratory standardization and testing requirements accordingly:
- Replaced the term “flash frozen” with “fresh frozen” in OAC 442:10-8-1(i)(9).
- Broadened instrumentation for heavy metal analysis in OAC 442:10-8-1(i)(4)(B).
- Updated CCV and LCS limits in OAC 442:10-8-1(i).
- Removed specific sample preparation requirements for microwave digestion in OAC 442:10-8-1(i)(4)(D).
- Lowered required sample sizes from 7 grams to 5 grams in OAC 442:10-8-3(b)(1).
- Reduced laboratory quality control samples required in OAC 442:10-8-1(i)(1).
- Adjusted required pesticide testing in OAC 442:10-8-1(s)(1)(b) and OAC 442:10-8-1(s)(4).
Visit omma.ok.gov/comment to see the comments and OMMA’s responses in full.
Licensees must comply with these updated testing standards beginning June 1, 2024.
Visit our Rulemaking Process page to see a copy of the emergency rules that go into effect June 1.
To view a current copy of the rules at any time, visit omma.ok.gov/rules.
Need More Information?
OMMA has a Rulemaking Process page on our website that explains how emergency rules and permanent rules come into effect.
OMMA sends licensees information about the annual rulemaking process, including public comment opportunities, in newsletters and other email updates. You can also follow us on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) for timely information about rulemaking.
Visit omma.ok.gov/rules at any time for a current copy of the rules, and go to omma.ok.gov/contact if you have questions or comments.
Here are some of the questions commercial licensees have asked OMMA most frequently in recent weeks. Visit omma.ok.gov/contact to get in touch.
Q: My application was rejected for GPS coordinates. How do I correct that?
A: Even if the licensing portal gives you auto-generated coordinates based on your address, OMMA recommends you use a mapping tool or online platform to confirm the GPS coordinates match the physical location of your facility. When manually entering GPS coordinates, verify you’ve entered the correct coordinates in the correct field.
Q: If I am submitting a renewal application and updating the person(s) of interest (POI), do I need a background check for everyone or just the new business owners?
A: When submitting a renewal application or a change in information application, a new background check is required for each POI. Please note that all background checks must be dated within 30 days of the corresponding application's initial submission date.
Q: Do I need to submit a new Certificate of Compliance (COC) with my renewal application?
A: If you have previously submitted a COC showing full compliance with applicable laws, you are not required to submit an additional COC for license renewal — unless a change of use or occupancy occurs, or there is any change concerning the facility or location that would by law require inspection, licensure or permitting by the state or municipality. You may either submit a fully compliant COC or complete the attestation within the renewal application that no material changes have been made.
Q: Can I use the same COC for multiple licenses?
A: You need to obtain a separate COC for each individual license application.
Oklahoma’s annual legislative session will adjourn by 5 p.m. May 31. Since the session began in February, OMMA has maintained a dedicated webpage to provide updates on bills affecting the medical marijuana industry. OMMA will continue to update omma.ok.gov/legislation to reflect what medical marijuana bills became law. Please note this resource is for informational purposes only — it’s not an indication that OMMA supports or opposes any of the bills or their contents.
Community Conversations is an informal opportunity for licensees to meet with OMMA’s executive leadership in a small group setting to share feedback, ask questions and address concerns.
Interested in participating in OMMA events like Community Conversations? Please complete this form. Note: Filling out the form does not mean you are agreeing to participate in any engagement opportunities. Its sole purpose is to gauge your interest.
Severe Weather Impact
Visit omma.ok.gov/disaster if severe weather impacts your business.
Forms, Resources and Checklists
OMMA keeps a list of commercial inspection forms, resources and checklists available to you at omma.ok.gov/forms.
OMMA News
Stay updated with the latest OMMA news by bookmarking and checking frequently omma.ok.gov/news. There, you can find news releases, Metrc bulletins, and copies of digital newsletters for both commercial licensees and patients.
OMMA and other state agencies will be closed Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day. Even when OMMA is closed, individuals can log in to the licensing portal to apply for or manage any license with OMMA.
|
