Tag: Oklahoma

State Starts Undercover Sting Operation to Bust Medical Marijuana Dispensaries? – Oklahoma Approves Secret Agent Missions

January 8, 2024 · Cannabis.net

Oklahoma has enacted a recent law granting regulatory authority to oversee a covert evaluation initiative for medical marijuana dispensaries. Officially known as House Bill 3971 (HB 3971), this legislation, endorsed by state legislators and enacted in 2022, empowers the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to conduct undercover assessments of at least 50 licensed medical marijuana retailers annually to identify any breaches of state regulations. Effective this week, HB 3971 is part of a series of legislative measures aimed at tightening… Read more.

New Law Brings Secret Shoppers to Oklahoma Weed Dispensaries

January 4, 2024 · High Times

A new law in Oklahoma gives the state’s cannabis regulators the authority to launch a medical marijuana dispensary secret shopper program. The legislation, which was passed by state legislators and signed into law in 2022, tasks the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) with inspecting at least 50 licensed medical marijuana retailers for violations of the state’s regulations each year. The new law, House Bill 3971 (HB 3971), went into effect this week along with several other bills designed to rein… Read more.

Oklahoma Extends Medical Cannabis Licensing Moratorium Through 2026

November 23, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Oklahoma has extended its moratorium on new medical cannabis licenses until 2026, Tulsa World reports. The legislation does allow the state Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to end the moratorium if its leadership “determines all pending licensing reviews, inspections or investigations are complete.” The state’s moratorium has been in place for more than a year and thousands of license reviews remain pending, the report says. Michael Kimball, OMMA communications manager, told the World that it’s “hard to imagine” the moratorium ending early. According to state… Read more.

2,600 Dispensaries and 9,000 Grow Licenses Later, Oklahoma Starts Cracking Down on Cannabis

October 6, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Times are a changin' as they say. Oklahoma, the Wild West, no pun intended, of cannabis, is starting to crackdown on its over-exposed legal cananbis program. While the population has inched up, Oklahoma approved over 2,600 medical marijuana licenses and is now trying to get recreational cannabis started in the state.  With over 9,000 marijuana cultivation licenses issued as well, it was a well known secret that cannabis grown in Oklahoma was ending up in other states. Oklahoma's new vigorous regulatory efforts within the… Read more.

More Than 150 Oklahoma Dispensaries Face New State Fines

October 5, 2023 · High Times

More than 150 Oklahoma medical marijuana dispensaries have received letters from state regulators notifying owners that they owe thousands of dollars in fines for transactions that do not comply with the state’s medical cannabis regulations. Some providers could also lose their licenses for selling too much medical marijuana in a single transaction, according to a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). The letters, one of which has been shared with High Times, notify owners that the potentially illegal transactions… Read more.

Oklahoma Cannabis Crackdown Continues With Dispensary Fines

October 1, 2023 · Green Market Report

Oklahoma is apparently continuing its crackdown on the industry, with marijuana authorities issuing fines to 161 dispensaries – ranging from the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars – for allegedly violating limits on patient purchases. Regulators also are seeking to revoke the permits of 39 of the shops. “Our agency recently filed petitions against 161 licensed dispensaries for sales over the legal limit. Of those 161 cases, 39 seek fines and revocation of licenses; 122 seek fines,” the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority said… Read more.

Oklahoma Crackdown Shuts Down Five Medical Cannabis Businesses for Alleged Diversion

September 21, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

A crackdown by authorities in Kay County, Oklahoma led to the confiscation of 4,800 pounds of cannabis and five businesses shut down, KOCO reports. The operation was led by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and was prompted by both routine inspections of licensed medical cannabis businesses and civilian complaints.    Mel Woodrow, chief of enforcement and compliance at OMMA, told KOCO that the action was the first time the agency had conducted such an operation.   The crackdown comes as Oklahoma officials try to reign… Read more.

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Has Shut Down 800+ Illegal Cannabis Farms Over Last Two Years

September 1, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Over the last two years, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) has shut down more than 800 unlawful cannabis farms operating under the guise of the state’s medical cannabis law, KFOR reports. The crackdowns have led to more than 200 arrests and the seizure of nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis.  Mark Woodward, spokesman for OBN, told KFOR that the agency’s enforcement actions are focused on “out-of-state” illegal operations that allegedly have ties to international crime networks, including groups from Russia, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Serbia.… Read more.

Oklahoma Supreme Court to Decide Medical Marijuana Permit Fee Case

August 2, 2023 · Green Market Report

The Oklahoma Supreme Court this week heard arguments on a lawsuit filed last month by a coalition of cannabis companies who argue that a large business fee increase, which went into effect in June, is illegal because it’s tantamount to a tax hike. The fee increase undergirding the lawsuit came from House Bill 2179, approved by the Oklahoma Legislature last year. The marijuana industry has been vowing to fight the measure for months. Jed Green, director of trade group Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action,… Read more.

Oklahoma Lawsuit Challenges New Medical Cannabis Operator Fees

July 6, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

A lawsuit has been filed in Oklahoma challenging the new law that increases fees for medical cannabis businesses in the state, KFOR reports. The law, intended to crack down on illegal medical cannabis operators in the state, took effect last month and created a tired fee schedule for industry operators from $2,500 to $50,000.  Jed Green, a cannabis advocate and plaintiff on the lawsuit, told KFOR the law “is hitting the good guys and it’s only helping the bad guys.”  A lawsuit… Read more.

Oklahoma Gov. Signs Bill Requiring $50K Bond for Cannabis Cultivators

April 24, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) last week signed a measure requiring all state-approved cannabis growers to hold a $50,000 bond, which lawmakers hope will combat the illegal grows in the state, FOX 23 News reports. The law requires the bond to be paid upfront before the new operations can begin and can be recalled to fund any remediation of the site if it is abandoned or if the license is revoked.   In a statement, Attorney General Gentner Drummond applauded the bill’s passage… Read more.

Amazon Delivering Weed in Oklahoma as a Pilot Program? – Not Quite, Man Uses Fake Amazon Van to Shuttle Illegally Grown Cannabis

April 23, 2023 · Cannabis.net

After several years of an extensive federal investigation, a massive illegal marijuana operation was uncovered in Oklahoma City. The accused allegedly used a counterfeit Amazon delivery vehicle to transport large quantities of marijuana throughout the city. According to federal court records, the documents provided insight into how the perpetrator evaded detection for an extended period. Brandon Ye, the suspect in question, is accused by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation of using an Amazon… Read more.

Is Cannabis Legalization Stalling Out Across America? – Rec Weed Fails in Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma

March 31, 2023 · Cannabis.net

As the winds of change blow across the United States, many states have lifted their bans on recreational cannabis. However, not every state has embraced the green wave with open arms. Despite the growing popularity of cannabis and its proven medical benefits, some states remain resistant to legalizing recreational use. Whether it's a concern for public health, public safety, or a reluctance to break tradition, these states have chosen to swim against legalization. So, while some states are blazing a trail… Read more.

Oklahoma Bill Would Let Medical Cannabis Agency Shut Down Non-Eco-Friendly Operations

March 22, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday passed a measure that would allow the director of the state Medical Marijuana Authority to shut down cannabis operations that are damaging the environment, KOKH reports. Sen. Joe Newhouse (R) authored the legislation and argued that it would help reign in medical cannabis operations in the state that are not following state law.  Oklahoma has one of the nation’s most permissive medical cannabis programs, but it has been rife with controversy. Last year, two Oklahoma attorneys were charged in a “Ghost Owner”… Read more.

Largest Cannabis Chocolate Bar Ever Made? Cannabis Edibles Producer’s Treat To Celebrate 4/20

March 18, 2023 · Benzinga

Zen Cannabis is poised to unveil "The Big Zen" — touted as the most extensive, potent, dominantly-dosed and expensive cannabis chocolate bar ever made. The Oklahoma-based company plans to unveil the 420-pound treat on April 20 (or as it's known colloquially as 4/20). The "Big Zen" took twelve 40-gallon vats of milk chocolate and over 100 pounds of cannabis flower to make. The nine by four-foot chocolate bar packs a potency of 4.2 million milligrams of THC. In the Zen ‘Cannafactory,’ the “Big Zen” operation… Read more.

Which States Could Expand Cannabis Legalization in 2023?

March 15, 2023 · MG Magazine

Oklahoma voters rejected a ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for adult use during a special election this month by a margin of 62 percent, surprising many advocates who saw the popularity of the state’s medical market as a promising sign for adult-use expansion. Ultimately, the state’s medical program proved to be good enough for a majority of voters outside Oklahoma City and Tulsa. But the push to expand domestic cannabis legalization in 2023 is far from over. “For 2024, we’ve calculated Virginia,… Read more.

Hawaii, Delaware adult-use marijuana legalization outlook rosy after Oklahoma failure

March 11, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

After witnessing a blowout loss in Oklahoma on Tuesday, advocates of adult-use marijuana legalization are turning their attention to brighter prospects in Hawaii and Delaware. Legalization bills are marching through legislatures in both states, with support from the governor in Hawaii and a veto-proof legislative majority in Delaware, where lawmakers in the state House on Thursday advanced an adult-use legalization bill for the first time. However, observers cautioned final passage isn’t assured in either state. The two relatively small states… Read more.

Medical Marijuana is Good Enough for Most Oklahoma Voters

March 8, 2023 · MG Magazine

OCTOBER 11, 2018 Oklahma City USA -State Flag flies over Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City OK

Voters in Oklahoma rejected a ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for adult use during a special election Tuesday by a margin of 62 percent, according to the Associated Press. More than 566,000 voters participated in the special election. Opposition was strong in nearly the entire state, with the exception of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, highlighting the divide between large cities and the rural population. Oklahoma Question 820, which was the only ballot proposal for most voters in the state, would… Read more.

Oklahoma voters go to polls on adult-use cannabis measure

March 7, 2023 · Market Watch

Oklahoma voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to allow adults 21 and over to buy and consume cannabis. If the measure passes, the state will become the 22nd in the U.S. to legalize pot for adult use. The vote on State Question 820 is taking place on an executive order from Gov. Kevin Stitt. With just over 4 million people and 2.2 million registered voters, Oklahoma is the 28th-largest U.S. state by population. Although it’s a… Read more.

2,600 Dispensaries and Now Adding Recreational Cannabis, What Could Go Wrong in Oklahoma?

March 7, 2023 · Cannabis.net

In 2018, State Question 788 in Oklahoma made it illegal to use cannabis for recreational purposes, but it was allowed for medical use with a proper license. However, the citizens of Oklahoma will be voting on March 7th to decide whether or not to legalize cannabis for recreational use statewide. This decision is seen as an opportunity to boost local businesses and promote social reform, but some critics are concerned that it could lead to an increase in addiction and… Read more.

Oklahomans vote on recreational marijuana March 7

February 28, 2023 · Yahoo!News

For anyone traveling northwest toward Oklahoma on the Garrison Avenue bridge leaving Fort Smith, the first business seen just to the west of the Fort Smith Stock Yards in Moffett, Oklahoma has an inflatable sign that whips the word marijuana up and down in the stiff Oklahoma wind. The River Valley Natural Health eyecatcher is for a medical marijuana dispensary. Unlike Arkansas, the number of dispensaries in Oklahoma was not limited until Aug 26, 2022 when Gov. Kevin Stitt signed… Read more.

Oklahoma Marijuana Ballot Initiative Shows Importance Of Criminal Justice Reform In Legalization Efforts (Op-Ed)

February 27, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

On March 7, Oklahoma residents will only have one question to answer: Do they support adult-use cannabis legalization? If Oklahomans pass State Question 820 on their ballots, they will follow the national trend toward legalization and become the 22nd state to have ended cannabis prohibition. Of the 29 states where adult-use cannabis is still illegal, 17 of them have introduced legislation to legalize it this year. While most of these proposals are unlikely to be successful in 2023, the trend… Read more.

New Endorsement For Oklahoma Marijuana Ballot Initiative Sparks Stir In Advocacy Community

February 26, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

As Oklahomans prepare to vote on a marijuana legalization initiative next month, the campaign behind the measure is touting a new endorsement from a political strategist who previously supported two competing cannabis reform proposals that failed to make the ballot. Thursday’s announcement by the Yes on 820 campaign was intended to build unity among legalization proponents, who have sparred over conflicting views on how marijuana should be regulated. Instead, it appears to have aggravated tensions in Oklahoma’s advocacy community. “This post… Read more.

Eighty Six Enters the Legal Psychedelics Market With Launch of Fun Guy Amanita Mushroom Gummies

February 23, 2023 · PR Newswire

Oklahoma based alternative cannabinoid brand Eighty Six jumps on the burgeoning psychedelics market with the launch of Fun Guy, an edibles series dedicated to helping you experience a lighter, brighter, psychedelic trip. Fun Guy enters the market with three classic flavors – BlueRazz, Strawberry, and Watermelon.  Each gummy contains 350mg of Amanita Muscaria, a federally legal medley of mushrooms that deliver a chilled-out psychoactive experience. What are Amanita Mushrooms? Amanita mushrooms, otherwise known as  the Amanita Muscaria, is an easily recognizable red mushroom dotted with… Read more.