Oklahoma
Oklahomans need more education about cannabis’ risks | Opinion
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt wants to shut down state’s marijuana industry
Gov. Kevin Stitt warns of dangers posed by the marijuana industry in Oklahoma, linking it to public safety threats and criminal activities.
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.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Resolution 1054, designating April 2026 as Library Month in Oklahoma.
The resolution was filed by Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, and recognizes the role libraries play in supporting education, workforce development, access to technology and community engagement across the state.
April 29 was also observed as Library Day at the Capitol, hosted by McCane in partnership with the Oklahoma Libraries Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The event provided an opportunity for residents, library professionals and lawmakers to connect and discuss the impact of library services.
“I am so excited to host the first ever Library Day at the Capitol to help advocate for our libraries and library staff,” McCane said. “Together, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as vital resources for generations to come.”
State officials emphasized that libraries serve as critical community resources, offering educational programming, workforce support and access to information. They also highlighted libraries as “third places,” providing spaces for community interaction outside of home and work.
Library representatives from across Oklahoma participated in the event, showcasing programs such as early literacy initiatives and STEM education opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
Officials said the designation and event aim to raise awareness of the role libraries play in improving literacy, supporting communities and expanding access to resources statewide.
SAYRE, Okla. (KOKH) — The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for Barry Christian, who went missing on Tuesday.
The Sheriff’s Office said Christian’s last known contact was yesterday, after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Christian is described as a 54-year-old white male, approximately 6 ft tall and 230 lbs with blue eyes and grey hair.
Authorities said Christian is believed to be driving a charcoal gray 2024 Ram pickup.
Oklahoma Senate District 38 candidate Barry Christian reported missing in Beckham County
If you have any information on Christian’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement agency immediately or call the Sayre Police Department at 580-928-2122.
Christian is currently a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38.
Christian is currently running for a seat in the Oklahoma Senate.
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Court records show Jarqez Evans is charged with first-degree rape and forcible oral sodomy in connection with a traffic stop in January 2025.
READ MORE: Oklahoma trooper arrested for sexual assault after alleged traffic stop incident
The incident reportedly happened when Evans stopped a vehicle at S.E. 29th and S. High Avenue. The victim told investigators that Evans told her she could follow him down the street or go to jail for driving under suspension and without insurance.
After following Evans to S.E. 31st and High, Evans entered the victim’s front passenger seat. The victim then drove further south and parked.
Officials said at that point, Evans allegedly unzipped his pants and instructed the victim to perform a sex act on him. He then asked the woman to bend over, at which point he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
READ MORE: Dash cam: former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with rape after traffic stop
Then, Evans returned to his vehicle without issuing any citations to the victim.
The victim reported the sexual assault to the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Officers collected evidence before handing over the investigation to OHP’s Criminal Investigations Section.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it received the complaint and placed Evans on administrative leave shortly afterward.
Following an investigation, Evans was arrested and his employment was terminated.
“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol values the trust placed in us by the citizens we serve,” OHP said in a statement. “When that trust is called into question, we take appropriate action in accordance with our policies and the law, regardless of position or rank.”
On Wednesday, Evans pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.
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The case moved to a pretrial conference, set for August, and his bail was listed at $100,000.
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