New law makes Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority standalone agency

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will develop into a standalone company beginning in November.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Invoice 1543 into legislation.

The OMMA grew to become a part of the Oklahoma State Division of Well being after voters permitted medical marijuana in 2018.

“It’s vital that OMMA has the power to satisfy the ever-changing wants of Oklahoma’s marijuana trade, and separating the authority as a stand-alone company will give OMMA the pliability it must successfully lead in all aspects, together with implementing the legal guidelines set forth by the Legislature and investigating any violations,” mentioned Senate President Professional Tempore Greg Deal with, R-Oklahoma Metropolis, who co-wrote the invoice. “I’m glad we have been capable of get this vital change throughout the end line, which can profit all authorized medical marijuana sufferers, companies throughout the state and public security. I respect my colleague from throughout the rotunda for his diligence in engaged on this matter, Senator Rosino for serving to shepherd this by the Senate and the Governor for signing this measure into legislation.”

OMMA, as an unbiased state company, will stay accountable for issuing medical marijuana licenses to sufferers and companies, together with regulating the state’s medical marijuana program.

“Making OMMA a stand-alone company is important to cope with the complexity of regulation and compliance of the increasing medical marijuana trade,” mentioned Home Majority Ground Chief Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma Metropolis, who co-wrote the invoice. “This can assist us reduce down on the black market that threatens the wellbeing of Oklahomans and correctly regulate the official companies permitted by voters.”

The Governor will appoint OMMA’s government director, and the state Senate can be liable for the appointee’s affirmation, after Nov. 1, in keeping with an OMMA information launch.

OMMA’s government director will take over obligations designated beforehand to OSDH Interim Commissioner of Well being Keith Reed, resembling promulgating administrative guidelines and issuing company orders, the information launch states.

“Since its inception, OMMA has made nice strides in regulating the medical marijuana trade in Oklahoma,” Reed acknowledged. “I’ve little question that they may be capable of serve Oklahomans in a fair better capability as they develop into a stand-alone company. We’re dedicated to working with OMMA to make sure a easy transition that advantages everybody.”

Adria Berry has served as OMMA Government Director since August 2021. The company has since “met the staffing necessities set forth within the 2021 legislative session, transitioned to a new licensing software program, prioritized compliance inspections for all industrial licensees, established a strategic plan, mission, imaginative and prescient and values, and is within the strategy of implementing the state’s first stock monitoring system,” the information launch states.

“I’m grateful to OSDH and Interim Commissioner Reed for the help they’ve supplied OMMA,” mentioned Berry. “We now have a protracted highway forward of us to organize for this transition, however we’re prepared and searching ahead to seeing how this transfer will positively have an effect on our operations, licensees and Oklahomans.”