Oklahoma’s potential $100 million-$150 million medical marijuana program is facing a new hurdle that could hamper sales: Many doctors won’t be able to tell patients about their MMJ options.
At least two health-care systems – Saint Francis Health System and Oklahoma State University Medical Center – have told their doctors not to make medical cannabis recommendations, according to the Tulsa World. Both systems are based in Tulsa, the state’s second-most-populous city.
Oklahoma State University Medical Center, meanwhile, indicated its decision was based on the lack of evidence that any of the Schedule 1 drugs on the federal list have therapeutic value.
It’s unclear how big of an impact the issue will prove for the Oklahoma MMJ industry, which has already seen several twists and turns since voters approved an open-market program in June.
The Tulsa World reported that the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) released a list last week of 38 physicians statewide who’ve registered as providers willing to recommend medical marijuana for patients.
The OMMA says it released the list “as a courtesy” to potential applicants whose own physicians may be unwilling to sign a recommendation.
– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily
