In 2018, Oklahoma became the 30th US state to legalize medical marijuana. The passage of SQ 788 allows licensed physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients who qualify. But the regulation of medical marijuana doesn’t happen all on its own. The state created an agency whose sole job is to help regulate medical marijuana in the state: the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
Here’s all you need to know about the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, as well as the rules and regulations surrounding the use of medical marijuana in the state.
What Is The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority?
The OMMA administers the state’s medical marijuana program. It is accountable for all aspects of medical marijuana, including:
- Regulation
- Licensing
- Administration
The OMMA makes sure that it runs all its programs by the state law regulations as a subsidiary of the Oklahoma Department of Health. Its objective is to make sure that the people of Oklahoma are able to safely and responsibly access medical marijuana.
Who Qualifies For Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma?
A medical marijuana card can be obtained through the OMMA for Oklahoma state residents over 18 with the signature of a licensed physician. Some minors are allowed to be issued medical marijuana cards in special circumstances and with the consent of two physicians and their parent or guardian.
How To Apply Through OMMA For An Oklahoma MMJ Card
Before you go through the process of applying for an MMJ card through OMMA, you first need to make sure you qualify. Aside from being over 18 and a resident of the state, some conditions that may qualify you include (but aren’t limited to):
- Chronic pain
- Neuropathic pain disorder
- Severe nausea
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Inflammation
- Terminal illnesses
- Glaucoma
- Muscle spasms
- Crohn’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
Talk to your doctor about your condition and how MMJ may be able to benefit you. They can complete an Adult Patient Physician Recommendation Form available through OMMA for you. There is a $100 application fee, but if you can provide proof that you have Soonercare (Medicaid) or Medicare insurance, then you may be eligible for a reduced application fee of $20.
So how long does it take for OMMA to approve an application? The process is done online and you should find out if you qualify within 30 days. If approved, your MMJ card is mailed to you and then you can use it to legally purchase, grow, and use medical marijuana and medical marijuana products in Oklahoma.
How Long Are MMJ Cards In Oklahoma Valid?
MMJ cards in Oklahoma are good for a period of two years. You can renew your MMJ card within 30 days of its expiration. All you have to do is visit the OMMA website and choose the “returning applicants” button. This will allow you to log in and choose to renew your card.
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card Rules?
According to the OMMA, Oklahoma residents with an MMJ card can have:
- Up to one ounce of cannabis concentrates such as THC waxes, extracts, and oils
- Up to three ounces of cannabis in a public place
- Up to eight ounces of cannabis in your home
- Up to 72 ounces of marijuana-infused edibles
You can also grow your own medical marijuana at home, but you need an MMJ card from the state to do it legally. With a card, you can have as many as six immature and six mature plants. The property you grow it on must be your own or you must have permission from the owner of the property to grow on it. Your plants may also be grown somewhere that is not visible from the street.
Where To Purchase MMJ in Oklahoma
The program run by OMMA has licensed over 2,000 dispensaries across the state. You can find many places to legally buy MMJ thanks to this program!
Where You Can Use Medical Marijuana
The OMMA wants to make medical marijuana safe and accessible for everyone in the state. There were many factors considered in the process of regulating the use of medical marijuana, including where you can use it. The public consumption laws in Oklahoma allow those with MMJ cards to use medical marijuana at home, but not in public. They also state that residents with an MMJ card can drive with MMJ in their car as long as it is out of the reach of the driver and not taken across state lines.
Featured image by Justin Prine on Unsplash