Oklahoma Lawmakers Prepare to Tackle Medical Marijuana Industry with 22 New Bills
As Oklahoma’s legislative session approaches, lawmakers are gearing up to consider a whopping 3,052 new bills, including 22 that could significantly impact the state’s medical marijuana industry. Since medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018, lawmakers have been refining the industry’s regulations, and this year will be no exception.
One proposed bill, sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, aims to increase the distance between schools and medical marijuana dispensaries to alleviate concerns about children being exposed to the industry. However, some worry that this could lead to established dispensaries being forced to relocate.
Another bill, sponsored by state Rep. Dusty Deevers, would restrict advertising methods like inflatables and flashing signs at dispensaries, citing concerns about targeting children. Dispensary owners argue that such restrictions could harm their businesses.
Additionally, a bill would limit the amount of marijuana that can be purchased in a week to 2.5 ounces, or nearly 70 grams, which has raised concerns among patients who may need more than that to medicate effectively.
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton emphasized the importance of finding a balance between addressing concerns and respecting the will of the voters who legalized medical marijuana in Oklahoma. “We’re just trying to find a way to make it work best for Oklahoma,” he said.
The Oklahoma legislature is set to reconvene in February, and the fate of these proposed bills will be decided in the coming months.
