With so many different rules and regulations governing the use of medical marijuana in all of the 50 states, some of you may be wondering: “Is MMJ legal in Oklahoma?” Well, just over a year ago, Oklahoma did indeed join the increasingly laden bandwagon by becoming the 30th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. With over 151,000 people having since applied for a license, Oklahoma currently has more MMJ card holders per capita than any other state. However, they’ve gone a step further with MMJ laws in Oklahoma. Instead of just sticking to the traditional list of qualifying conditions, Oklahoma state has declared that all physicians are free to recommend MMJ for any condition they deem appropriate. And furthermore, unlike other states, they decided not to put a cap on the number of MMJ business license holders in the state. Way to go, Oklahoma! They may just have started a trend – only time will tell.
If you’re planning on visiting this wonderful state, you may be wondering, “Can I use my MMJ card in Oklahoma?” Well, you’re in luck – Oklahoma is one of only 17 states that currently recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations. Simply put, this means that if you own a current, up-to-date MMJ license in your own state, it will be recognized in Oklahoma. You will be allowed to purchase and possess: up to 3 ounces of usable cannabis (personal possession); up to 1 ounce of concentrated cannabis, up to 72 ounces of edible cannabis; and a maximum of 8 ounces of usable cannabis at a residence. But you can’t just turn up at a dispensary in Oklahoma and flash, say, your California MMJ card.
What you will need to do is apply for a temporary license. This costs $100 and is valid for 30 days, but is renewable. This temporary license not only allows people with out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations to purchase and to use MMJ in Oklahoma; you will also legally be able to grow it. You can apply for your temporary license via the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). They will need information such as your full name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address and details about your out-of-state MMJ card. Proof of ID will also be required, along with the patient’s signature, which must be dated within 30 days of the application being lodged. If your application meets all the requirements, you will receive your ID card plus a letter of approval by mail within 14 days of your submission.
Clearly this means that you need to plan ahead if you’re arranging a trip and wish to use your MMJ card in Oklahoma. As mentioned, you can renew your 30-day temporary license, but this must be done in good time prior to its expiration date. It’s worth noting that although MMJ laws in Oklahoma are in place to help and support visitors with out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations, acceptance of a temporary license together with an out-of-state MMJ card is completely at the discretion of individual dispensary owners. It might be worth your while calling ahead to a dispensary to check that they will accept your license. Before your visit, it would be a good idea also to familiarize yourself with the MMJ laws in Oklahoma. It’s good to know what to expect; forewarned is forearmed, as they say!
But what if you’re a resident of Oklahoma, and you wish to travel? Is your Oklahoma MMJ license legal in other states? Well, the same rules apply to you as to a visitor coming to your state. If you’re visiting one of the 17 states that currently recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations, then you’re in luck. These states include California, Washington, Washington D.C., Colorado, and Hawaii (check out the full list if your state is not among the few mentioned). If the state you’re visiting is included, then all you need to do is apply for a temporary license, as per the information above. You will need to find the relevant local body in the state that you’re visiting and submit all the details required, including a color photo of your Oklahoma MMJ license. Remember to do this more than two weeks in advance of your trip. Provided you supply all the required details, you should receive your temporary license in the mail, and you’re then good to go. Again, it’s advisable to phone ahead to a dispensary in the state you’re intending to visit, just to check that they are happy to accept your temporary license. In most cases you should be fine, but one or two states have stricter rules (Arizona, for example), so it’s always worth checking ahead to make sure you’ll be able to get your usual supply of MMJ while you’re away from home.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Oklahoma, or whether you’re a resident there and thinking of traveling to another state, the key to being able to use your MMJ card while out-of-state is research and knowledge. Remember also to allow time to apply for your temporary license, rather than leaving it to the last minute.