Two years ago, state question 788 made the ballot in hopes of legalizing medical cannabis in the state of Oklahoma. Thanks to the tireless efforts of countless advocates, patients, and activists, it was passed. The market was quickly implemented and has seen nothing but success.
Current statistics show there are now more than 30 bills filed with Oklahoma legislature that could potentially hurt the medical cannabis industry in Oklahoma that is booming. Some of these bills include raising the fee for licensing from $2,500 to a whopping $10,000.
Oklahoma has a different legal, medical cannabis industry than just about anywhere else. There are a lot of small mom-and-pop dispensaries that cater to the demands of Oklahoma cannabis patients. According to Darrell Carnes of Mary Jane Dispensary, Oklahoma is an industry that is 85% made up of small businesses. Darrell says that is not happening anywhere else in the country, and that’s something special in Oklahoma that deserves to be protected.
Republican Senator Marty Quinn of Claremore, who introduced one of the current bills, believes that medical marijuana laws in Oklahoma are not strict enough. The Senator thinks that Oklahoma’s definition of medical cannabis is recreational. Senator Marty Quinn was quoted saying;
“I think when we say they’re using it for medical purposes, I think the definition under Oklahoma law is not medical, it’s recreational. If we’re going to generate problems, we’re going to have to provide services, and the people need to pay for that.”
My best guess is that she is referencing the fact that there is no “qualifying conditions” list to become a medical patient in the state. This doesn’t make the program recreational. It makes it about the freedom to medicate with a plant that works with an endogenous body system that exists in every mammal, even Senators that don’t believe it! Using cannabis in any form is medicinal, and we, the people, should be legally able to medicate with cannabis to help with ANY ailment we chose, not just those defined by lawmakers.
The state of Oklahoma has a beautiful medical cannabis program in place. Recreational Cannabis is not needed here. The program in Oklahoma is working so well that United States citizens from other neighboring states with legal programs not yet operational, such as Missouri, are having to make trips to Oklahoma to have legal access to the medicine they have been giving recommendations by their doctors for in their home states.
With so many millions of dollars to be made off of legal cannabis, it’s only a matter of time before lawmakers looking to put money in their pockets support bills that damage a program that is working so well. It will be up to the countless advocates and the people to monitor the actions of elected officials to make sure they don’t put out the flame that is currently burning bright for the medical cannabis industry in the state.
If you’ve ever eaten raw cannabis flower hoping to get high, you were probably disappointed. That’s because you need to decarb your cannabis first. THC (the chemical compound responsible for the “high” and psychoactive effects) doesn’t exist in significant amounts in raw cannabis. Neither does CBD, a cannabinoid known for its beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and…
With the arrival of 4/20 comes the promise of festivals, mass smoke sessions, and camaraderie with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. But, while cannabis may promote social gathering for some, others prefer to consume their cannabis in the way of the introvert – that is, completely alone. If you’re not exactly a social smoker and still want…
It’s become increasingly common to hear stories of those suffering from serotonin syndrome, but for some, the full scope and depth of this mysterious condition remain shrouded in mystery. Are psychedelic drugs and cannabis capable of triggering this serious medical issue? In this post, we’ll dive into what serotonin syndrome is, how you may be…
In the past few years, improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) have helped different industries evolve, making processes better and more efficient. In general, the agricultural sector has already welcomed the use of AI with open arms. The cannabis industry is also primed for big changes to incorporate the use of AI into the field. From…
The legendary stoner holiday 4/20 is upon us, and so are the transits and astrological happenings associated with it. As spring and warm weather begin to roll in, spirits lift, and people spend more time outside under the sun—and, of course, the stars. Smoking under the night sky is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a…
Get your medical marijuana card today
Sign up in under 5 minutes
