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.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has launched the Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at improving teacher recruitment and retention through training, mentorship and financial support for educators.
Oklahoma Teacher Initiative
The program includes a five-day Summer Launch Institute scheduled for July 27–31, 2026, followed by year-long mentorship support for first-year teachers.
OSDE said new teachers will be paired with experienced educators throughout the school year to help strengthen classroom readiness and long-term retention.
“Participating first-year teachers may earn up to $2,000 in stipends, while mentors may receive up to $10,000 for supporting new educators,” said Autumn Kouba, OSDE’s senior director of teacher recruitment and retention.
Focus On Teacher Recruitment and Retention
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields said the initiative is designed to support teachers early in their careers while recognizing experienced educators who serve as mentors.
“Recruiting great teachers is only part of the equation,” Fields said in a release. “We also have to ensure they feel supported, prepared, and encouraged to remain in the profession.”
Program Details
- Summer Launch Institute runs July 27–31, 2026
- First-year teachers can receive up to $2,000 in stipends
- Mentors may earn up to $10,000
- Retired educators and experienced teachers can apply as mentors
What happens next?
Applications are open now, and the Summer Launch Institute begins July 27, 2026.
From their favorite music to their Braum’s order, Oklahoma City-area high school athletes have a wide range of views.
The Oklahoman asked each athlete who attended an annual media day to answer those questions and more.
Let’s get to know the athletes in the Prep Spotlight:
Order book on Oklahoma HS basketball at ‘The Big House’
Logan Janaway, Washington
Sport: Golf
Class: Sr. | Ht./Wt.: 6-5/240
College choice: Seminole State
Social media: @janawaylogan (Instagram)
Favorite Braum’s order: “Chicken strip dinner”
Favorite pregame musical artist and/or song: “Firefly” by Ty Myers
What’s your dream career outside of being a professional athlete? “Pharmacist”
Who’s the best athlete you’ve played against?: “(Oklahoma State golfer and former Community Christian star) Collin Bond”
If you could change your school mascot, what would it be and why?: “Bugs because annoying”
Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Three Oklahoma wildland fire task forces are headed to Kansas to assist with wildfires in southwest Kansas.
Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) said three task forces made up of fire departments from Major, Noble, and Washington counties would assist with ongoing wildfires near Ashland.
The task forces include 32 firefighters, 15 brush trucks, and 1 tender. Crews will be deployed for 12 hours, but that period could be extended.
“Oklahoma is ready to extend the Oklahoma standard as communities respond to these fires,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is activated and is deploying resources to assist local partners in need. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.”
The crews are deploying at the request of the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. The department requested assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
EMAC is a national aid system allowing states to send assistance to help with disaster relief efforts in other states.
“EMAC allows states to quickly share resources when they’re needed most, and we’re grateful our county partners are answering the call to support Kansas,” OEM Director Annie Mack Vest said.
OEM said more support may be deployed if needed.
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