Oklahoma reverses rules that could have hampered medical cannabis industry

The Oklahoma Board of Health voted Wednesday to adopt new rules for its medical marijuana industry, reversing ones it hurriedly adopted last month that were criticized by the state’s attorney general as well as MMJ proponents.

The new regulations, which were proposed last week by the state’s Medical Marijuana Authority, should provide greater business opportunities for MJ entrepreneurs – contrary to the abandoned provisions. They:

• Eliminate a ban on sales of smokable marijuana.
• Remove the requirement for each dispensary to have a licensed pharmacist.
• Lift restrictions on THC levels.

The health board’s reversal came after Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter said it had overstepped its authority in adopting measures that were significantly different from the initiative voters approved June 26.

In related news, a 13-member legislative working group held its second public meeting Wednesday in Oklahoma City to develop recommendations for permanent regulations to govern the cannabis industry in the state.

Oklahoma also has made MMJ business applications available online, as required by the initiative.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily