Oklahoma regulations have been continuously changing, with some changes for the better and some for the worse. HB 2179 is one of these bills that encompasses many changes to cannabis regulations. Here are just a few highlights of this 28-page bill.
Animal Patient Licenses
According to HB 2179, "An animal patient medical marijuana license shall be granted to an applicant who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older and who possesses a recommendation from a licensed Oklahoma veterinarian."
Each license would be good for a year and cost $100. However, the license would only cover edibles, tinctures, and topicals for the animal patient. Flower and dabs would not be permitted.
Changes to Patient Application Qualifications.
According to Subsection O of Section 420, "All applications for a medical marijuana patient license shall be signed by an Oklahoma physician. There are no qualifying conditions. A medical marijuana patient license must be recommended according to the accepted standards a reasonable and prudent physician would follow when recommending or approving any medication. No physician may be unduly stigmatized or harassed for signing a medical marijuana license application."
Additionally, registered patients have clear-cut quantities of how many plants and how much product they would be able to possess at any given time.
Caught with No Card
According to HB 2179, "Possession of up to one and one-half (1.5) ounces of marijuana by persons who can state a medical condition, but are not in possession of a state-issued medical marijuana patient license, shall constitute a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) and shall not be subject to imprisonment for the offense."
The Bulk of the Bill
The majority of this 28-page bill is assigned to clarifying terminology addressed in previous Oklahoma Cannabis Legislation that was unclear.
Make no mistake about it, Oklahoma is cracking down on regulations within the cannabis industry. While reasonable and responsible regulation is needed, it is important to ensure those creating this legislation are knowledgeable about the industry they are regulating.
This article should not be taken as legal advice. Please consult with an appropriate attorney if legal advice is needed.