OMMA to become independent agency under new law

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Ever because the passing of State Query 788 in 2018, Oklahoma’s medical marijuana business has been by what appears to be fixed modifications.

Final week, the Oklahoma Legislature handed one other large measure.

“We’ve received to get correct compliance on our medical marijuana business and we’re nowhere shut. Now we have method too many unlawful operators,” stated Rep. Jon Echols, of Oklahoma Metropolis.

The Home Majority Chief says Senate Invoice 1543 is a step in the precise path.

The invoice, signed into legislation by Gov. Stitt final week, would take the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority out of the Oklahoma Division of Well being and make it a stand alone company.

“The typical affected person goes to see a safer product. They don’t seem to be going to see costs go up because of this regulation as a result of who we’re focusing in on is the black market,” stated Echols.

Echols says this invoice will permit the OMMA to react faster to traits and issues within the business. 

It’s one among many payments this legislative session which can be attempting to crack down on out-of-state and out of the U.S. pursuits.

“Authentic companies which can be following the principles are asking for this laws. The folks which can be on this desire a secure, calmly regulated, however correctly regulated, medical marijuana market,” stated Echols.

“I’m supportive of the OMMA being its personal entity. I used to be simply anxious about public enter. They took away the advisory committee that had been within the legislation, which I feel is required. It’s a brand new business and we must be listening to the people who find themselves working within the business,” stated Sen. Julia Kirt.

The Democrat from Oklahoma Metropolis voted in opposition to the invoice. She says with all of the marijuana associated payments on the Capitol now, an excessive amount of regulation may squeeze out the small companies that Oklahoma voters say they need to be a part of the business.

“I feel lots of people are anxious as a result of there are such a lot of companies within the medical marijuana business. I feel the following few years are going to be an actual tipping level, particularly as we get the stock methods in place and, a few of these different laws. They’ll assist the nice actors, those that are following the legislation, to do their job,” stated Kirt

The invoice will take impact in November.