Marijuana provides lots of health benefits. Medical researchers have found that cannabis’ cannabinoids possess amazing medicinal properties, which can help in relieving pain, anxiety, boosting sleep, memory, and mood.
Currently, medical marijuana is legal in 37 US states, allowing patients with specific conditions to access cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries. If you are an Oklahoman, you would definitely be thinking “is weed legal in Oklahoma.” The answer is yes. In 2018, the state legalized the medical use of cannabis after the voters approved Oklahoma State Question 788.
In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is responsible for overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program. Read on to learn more about the laws and regulations for medical users in the state.
Is Recreational Weed Legal in Oklahoma?
No, recreational weed is not legal in Oklahoma. While the state legalized medical marijuana in June 2018 and became one of the quickest states to implement their medical marijuana program, adult-use or sale of cannabis is out of the question for now.
If a person is found in possession of marijuana without a legit medical marijuana card or doctor’s recommendation, they can be charged with a misdemeanor.
But, will recreational weed be legalized in Oklahoma in the future? Well, there’s certainly some hope.
There have been several attempts to put the matter of legalizing recreational cannabis in Oklahoma on the ballot. The House Bill 1961 is one of them. It will help put the issue of legalizing the use, possession, and retail sale of adult marijuana on the 2022 ballot. If the voters approve, you may have a new state with legal recreational marijuana.
Related Article: Petition Filed to Legalize Marijuana for Recreational Purposes in Oklahoma
Laws on Getting an MMJ Card in Oklahoma
To access medical marijuana in Oklahoma, you need a written certificate from an Oklahoma board-certified physician. Unlike most cannabis legalized states, which require patients with specific conditions to access medical marijuana, Oklahoma doesn’t have any list of approved MMJ qualifying conditions. In the state, a physician may recommend marijuana for any illness they believe can be improved with medical cannabis treatment.
Some of the common conditions that qualify patients for an MMJ card are-
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic Pain
- Anorexia & Bulimia
- Severe Nausea
- Spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Cachexia & Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Epilepsy & Other Seizure Disorders
- Muscle Spasms
- Crohn’s Disease
- HIV/AIDS
Medical Marijuana Consumption & Possession Limits
As per Oklahoma regulations, only approved patients & designated caregivers are allowed to access state-licensed dispensaries. Although the Oklahoma State Department of Health has not defined any purchase limits, patients can possess up to 3 ounces or 85.04 grams of dry flowers, up to 1 ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana concentrates, and 72 ounces (2.04 grams) of edibles in public and 8 ounces (227 grams) at home. There will be a 7% sales tax on all cannabis purchases in the state.
Patients who are unable to access marijuana from dispensaries or monitor medical cannabis treatment themselves can designate caregivers. Only one caregiver is allowed for one patient. However, children younger than 18 are allowed to designate two caregivers.
Caregivers are required to submit the “Adult Patient Caregiver Designation Forms”, signed by their patients. If a parent/legal guardian is providing caregiver services, they need to submit the “Minor Patient Caregiver Designation Forms.” A caregiver license is valid up to the expiry date of the MMJ license of their patient.
Also Read: Cannabis in Oklahoma: Non-Restrictive Legalization
Regulations For Out-of-State Patients
With an MMJ temporary adult patient license, an out-of-state patient with an MMJ license of their native state is allowed to buy, use and cultivate cannabis. However, for minor patients, the online applications require details about their parents and legal guardians. Remember, there are no caregiver licenses for temporary patients.
For a temporary license, the fee would be $100. Applicants are required to submit their out-of-state medical cannabis licenses in digital formats. It usually takes 14 days for the temporary license identification card process. The temporary licenses are valid for 30 days but can be extended up to the expiry date of the out-of-state licenses. A patient will be charged $100 for every renewal after 30 days.
