Oklahoma

Oklahomans need more education about cannabis’ risks | Opinion

Published

2 months ago

February 4, 2026

Press Room

Oklahomans need more education about cannabis’ risks | Opinion

Tessa Manning
| Guest columnist

Since the passage of State Question 788 legalized medical marijuana, Oklahoma has seen dramatic increases in marijuana use. In its first two years, the state issued more than 178,000 medical marijuana patient licenses. Today, nearly one in eight Oklahomans, or 320,000, holds an active medical marijuana license.

Despite its rapid expansion, the state’s medical marijuana program has been lacking two very important components: physician education and public information on the side effects of cannabis.

New findings about cannabis use and how it can create other health concerns are still emerging, including how marijuana can interact with commonly prescribed drugs such as cholesterol and heart medications, antidepressants and blood thinners. Cannabis use can even affect how a person’s body responds to anesthesia during surgery, often altering the type and amount of medicine a physician uses.

Unlike other states, Oklahoma does not have a limit on THC content, which can result in widely varying potencies depending on the product and increased potential risks to patients. The average THC content found in local dispensaries is 14-25% in dried plant products and up to 90% in concentrates. Psychiatric hospitals have seen an increase in admissions due to psychosis, a well-known side effect of high-potency marijuana.

Additional well-documented issues from the passage of SQ 788 include an increase in motor vehicle accidents, increased emergency room visits for edible poisoning of children and increases in hospital admissions for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that causes nausea and vomiting in long-term users. Most concerning is the 73% increase in adolescent marijuana use, with Oklahoma youths reporting 44% higher use than the national average.

Several laws passed last legislative session aim to improve medical marijuana education for physicians, employees of marijuana businesses and the public. As of Jan. 1, any physician who issues such licenses must first register with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and complete mandatory yearly continuing medical education requirements. Similarly, all employees of medical marijuana businesses must complete yearly training as directed by the authority. Law now mandates marijuana packaging includes warnings about the dangers of impaired driving and the risk of birth defects when used during pregnancy.

While these are positive steps, these laws fall short in providing comprehensive public education for patients about all the potential risks of marijuana use. More needs to be done to address the health concerns of those who are using marijuana in a safe and informed way. As a physician, I believe access to clear, unbiased resources is key to helping guide physician-patient conversations.

By educating physicians and the public about marijuana use, both if used medically and recreationally, more Oklahomans will better understand the risks it poses to physical and mental health, including addiction, cardiovascular disease, lung disease and pregnancy complications. As a state, we need to do more to help people understand the risks and prevent harm from cannabis use.

Some physician-led organizations like the Oklahoma State Medical Association have already developed educational materials for doctors and patients, reflecting a growing recognition within the medical community that cannabis education must keep pace with growing access. Such resources should be widely available in clinical settings, schools and online. Expanding and supporting these efforts will be essential to ensuring that long-term patient outcomes remain at the center of the state’s evolving medical marijuana program.

Dr. Tessa Manning is a practicing psychiatrist and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. She is a member of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma City man claiming to be financial investor charged with fraud

Published

10 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma City man claiming to be financial investor charged with fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A federal grand jury has charged an Oklahoma City man with dozens of counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

From June 2021 through December 2025, officials say 36-year-old Matthew Mclain Veazey presented himself as a successful financial investment professional. Public records indicate that Veazey encouraged friend and family to send him money by claiming he had special access to favorable investment opportunities due to his connections.

However, authorities say Veazey kept the money for himself and used it for personal expenses.

Court records allege that investors gave Veazey $2.38 million, but those funds were never repaid. Authorities say Veazey fabricated text messages and email communications from real people to convince victims that his investment activities were real.

This week, a federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment charging Veazey with 21 counts of wire fraud, five counts of money laundering, and four counts of aggravated identity theft.

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If convicted, Veazey faces up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for each count of money laundering.

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Oklahoma

PORTAL TARGET BREAKDOWN: Oklahoma State guard Amari Whiting

Published

22 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

PORTAL TARGET BREAKDOWN: Oklahoma State guard Amari Whiting

Portal season is just getting underway. The Iowa Women’s Basketball team suffered five losses to the transfer portal, leaving them, at this moment, with six players on next year’s roster, including just two guards. For the first time since the portal became commonplace in college sports, the Hawkeyes, led by head coach Jan Jensen are […]

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Oklahoma

UFL Expanding to Oklahoma City, Moving to 10 Teams in 2028

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

UFL Expanding to Oklahoma City, Moving to 10 Teams in 2028

The more, the merrier!

The United Football League announced on Thursday morning that it’s expanding to 10 teams in 2028, including the addition of a team in Oklahoma City.

“Oklahoma lives and breathes football, so bringing the UFL to Oklahoma City was an easy decision,” UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole said in a statement about the inclusion of Oklahoma City. “This is a state that shows up, cares deeply, and truly understands the game. From college powerhouses to Friday night lights, football runs deep here. We’re committed to building a franchise in OKC that the entire state can rally behind.”

The Oklahoma City UFL team doesn’t yet have a name but will play its home games at MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, which is under construction. The location of the other expansion team isn’t known, either.

“Oklahoma City has long been one of the most glaring vacancies on the professional football map,” UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon said in a statement. “The combination of a new stadium, deep-rooted football culture, and a city that has proven its ability to support major league sports makes this an easy decision. We are thrilled to bring the UFL’s brand of high-octane spring football to the passionate fans of Oklahoma.”

The lone professional sports team in Oklahoma City is the Thunder, who just won their first NBA championship in franchise history last season. Elsewhere, the Oklahoma Sooners (college) are located roughly 25 minutes south of Oklahoma City, while the Oklahoma State Cowboys (college) are located roughly 70 minutes north of Oklahoma City.

As for this season, which is two weeks young, the UFL has three new teams: the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm.

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