As more states legalize medical marijuana (MMJ), its usage is becoming more prevalent throughout the United States. This is no more evident than in the great state of Oklahoma, which is quickly becoming one of the more progressive states in the world of MMJ legislation.
Medical marijuana in Oklahoma officially became legal in August 2018. Because MMJ can be used to help alleviate or completely lift some symptoms of many challenging and bothersome health conditions, many people have jumped at the chance to become Oklahoma MMJ patients.
If you’re wondering how many people use MMJ in Oklahoma, the answer is about 151,000 (which ends up being about 3.5% of the state’s population). Since coming into effect, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (or OMMA) has been swept away with how many applications they’ve been receiving (sometimes up to 3,500 a week!). Out of the 33 states that have some form of legal MMJ legislation, Oklahoma has quickly become one of the biggest, making it the state with more MMJ patients per capita than any other state. According to some accounts, there are around 3.5 million total MMJ users throughout the whole country. In 2018, states with similarly large numbers include California (around 900,000 MMJ cardholders), Michigan (around 269,000), and Florida (around 108,000).
Because the demand for medical marijuana has grown so significantly, Oklahoma MMJ patients have helped to spur a growth in the number of dispensaries as well (around 1,500 dispensary licenses have already been approved). Furthermore, the increase of Oklahoma MMJ patients meant additional legislation needed to be passed. In August 2019, OMMA will institute more changes that were brought about recently by lawmakers. First, Oklahoma veterans with a 100% disability will only pay $20 for their MMJ card (versus the standard $100 fee for other applicants). Second, law enforcement will now have electronic access to all information found on an individual’s MMJ card (which includes a headshot picture, expiration date, and unique 24-digit ID). There will also be changes to the state’s programs that have to do with laboratory testing, electronic tracking systems, and any kind of short-term licenses.
The rest of the regulations for medical marijuana in Oklahoma will be upheld. These include your ability to possess specific amounts of marijuana for medicinal purposes. You may have:
- Up to 8 ounces of marijuana in your home
- Up to 3 ounces of marijuana on your person outside of your residence
- Up to 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana
- Up to 72 ounces of edible marijuana (also known as edibles)
- Up to 6 mature plants
- Up to 6 seedling plants
There are consequences if you don’t have a legitimate MMJ card. Without one, you could get a fine-only misdemeanor charge (for having up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis). When deciding where to buy MMJ in Oklahoma, remember that you can purchase from state-licensed dispensaries only (you’re not permitted to purchase from a dealer or from another MMJ cardholder.) You also have the option of cultivating and growing your own marijuana plants, as long as you follow the restrictions listed above.
MMJ patients in Oklahoma can qualify for an MMJ card if they suffer from a variety of medical conditions. Many people have found that their symptoms improve or are less prominent with the use of medical marijuana. Some of these qualifying conditions can be:
- Chronic pain
- Cancer (and other terminal illnesses)
- Seizure disorders
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
People who have symptoms of severe nausea, spasticity, muscle spasms, and inflammation can also potentially benefit from using MMJ. In order to apply for an MMJ card in Oklahoma, you are required to be evaluated by a physician who can validate your medical condition and determine that you could benefit from using MMJ products. If you don’t have a trusted medical professional in your life, you can always use the services of MMJRecs. They can connect you virtually with a licensed physician who can help you complete your application. This can be a great option for people who find it tough to leave their homes to make it to in-person doctor appointments.
If you’re interested in joining the growing number of Oklahoma MMJ patients, you can quickly get started on your application, which can be found on the omma.ok.gov website. The application requires you to provide some information such as your name, residence and mailing address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and patient signature. You’ll also need to include a copy of the Adult Patient Physician Recommendation Form that your doctor needs to fill out with their information (they’ll also need to sign it.) In order to show that you’re an Oklahoma citizen, you also must show proof of residency. This can be with a digital, color copy of one of the following:
- Oklahoma driver’s license
- Oklahoma ID card
- Oklahoma voter identification card
- A utility bill for the calendar month preceding the date of application (cell phone or Internet bills are not valid)
- A residential property deed
- A current rental agreement for residential property
To complete your application, OMMA also needs you to provide proof of identity. This can be with your driver’s license, ID card, U.S. passport, or tribal identification card. Finally, you’ll need to submit a clear, color, full-face digital photograph of yourself.
Your application will cost $100, unless you’ve covered by Medicaid (SoonerCare) or have Medicare – then your fee will only be $20. After you submit your application online, OMMA will review it and send out an official letter if you’ve been approved. This should happen around 14 days from the time you sent in your application. MMJ cards are valid for two years. After your two years is up, you will need to submit a brand-new application with the help of a physician again.
Join the growing number of people experiencing the benefits of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, and apply for your very own card today!