Oklahoma to set framework for medical marijuana

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma health officials will meet next month to consider emergency rules regarding medical marijuana after voters easily approved the medicinal use of the drug.

Meanwhile, Gov. Mary Fallin says she's still concerned that the ballot issue approved Tuesday night is too broadly written and that it "opens the door" for recreational marijuana. But the Republican governor, who is term-limited, says she will work with lawmakers and state agencies on establishing a regulatory framework.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health said late Tuesday that it would consider emergency rules July 10 for the new Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, and that the agency will begin accepting applications no later than Aug. 25.

Oklahomans came out in droves to vote on the issue, which made it onto the ballot because of a signature drive. The Oklahoma State Election Board says more votes were cast on the marijuana issue than in the 2014 general election.

The OSDH released the following statement on the passage of State Question 788:

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has worked for the past three months to develop a framework for implementing the requirements of SQ 788. Now that Oklahoma voters have approved the measure, OSDH is confident that we are ready to meet those requirements by the specified time and that the process will be handled with integrity.

Emergency rules governing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will be considered by the Oklahoma State Board of Health at their July 10 meeting. Application information and requirements will be available by July 26 for all of the defined categories and the agency will begin accepting applications no later than August 25. Program information will be made available at omma.ok.gov.

“Please do not visit the state or county health department offices with questions relating to medical marijuana. We are still working with limited staff who deliver clinical and other services across the state,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Tom Bates. “All relevant information and instructions will be provided online.”

The application process will be available at the required time and will be enhanced in the coming months to make it more efficient for all interested parties. It may take some time to fully implement all of the steps recommended in preparation for this new program, but we will continue to work to meet the letter of the law and to protect the health and safety of all Oklahomans.

We have also established a phone number that will provide pre-recorded information for interested applicants. The number is (405) 271-2266.