OMA updates prepackaging rules amid concerns over licensing inconsistencies

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) Executive Advisory Council convened on April 11, 2025, to discuss critical updates and legislative matters impacting the state's medical marijuana industry. The meeting focused on the implementation of new emergency rules and ongoing legislative developments.

The session began with an acknowledgment of the efforts made by OMMA staff to engage with public comments. It was emphasized that the agency is committed to reviewing all feedback and considering it in their regulatory processes. This approach aims to foster a stronger rapport with stakeholders in the medical marijuana community.

A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming emergency rules related to prepackaging requirements, mandated by House Bill 3361. These rules are set to be published before the bill's effective date of June 1, 2025. If no changes occur during the current legislative session, the emergency rules will closely mirror the proposed permanent rules already submitted to the legislature and governor. For further information, stakeholders were directed to the OMMA website, where they can find FAQs and current regulations.

The council also addressed concerns regarding Senate Bill 1039, which proposes denying applications that have been resubmitted multiple times due to material deficiencies. A council member raised issues related to the lengthy renewal process for licenses, citing a specific case where a farmer faced repeated rejections. The discussion highlighted the need for clarity in the definition of "material deficiencies" to avoid inconsistencies in the application process.

In response to these concerns, the executive director of OMMA acknowledged the issues raised and noted that the agency is aware of inconsistencies in application processing. He mentioned that significant staffing and leadership changes are underway, along with internal procedural adjustments aimed at improving the efficiency and fairness of the application process.

The meeting concluded with an open invitation for further questions regarding legislation and rules, indicating that the council remains engaged with the community and responsive to ongoing concerns. Overall, the discussions underscored the OMMA's commitment to refining its processes and enhancing communication with stakeholders in the medical marijuana sector.