Similarly to how it’s always been THCA, it’s also always been illegal to produce and market “THCA flower” or its derivatives as hemp in Oklahoma. The 2018 Farm Bill, officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, has played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape of hemp production and sale in the United States, including the proliferation of products like THCA flower and delta-9 (D9) THC-infused edibles. One of the most significant aspects of the 2018 Farm Bill was its redefinition of hemp and its removal from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act ..read more

HB 3361 was signed into law by Governor Stitt yesterday, ushering the end of Oklahoma’s Deli-Style dispensary experience. A bill that would require all cannabis flower to be distributed in pre-packaged form was signed into law yesterday. HB 3361 will go into effect in June of 2025, signaling the end of the deli-style dispensary experience Oklahoma medical marijuana patients have grown accustomed to. Since we have already focused on the potential impacts of mandating pre-packaged cannabis products, this blog will focus on what’s next for businesses and important packaging requirements to keep ..read more

The medical marijuana scene in Oklahoma stands on the cusp of significant change as Representative TJ Marti makes another attempt to introduce pre-packaging regulations with HB 3361, echoing the ambitions of similar, previously unsuccessful bills. HB 3361 sets forth that all medical cannabis must be pre-packaged before distribution to dispensaries, specifying package sizes to range from a minimum of half a gram up to a maximum of three ounces. This latest legislative effort for pre-pack, surfacing despite prior dismissals by both the Oklahoma legislature and the Governor, reignites debates ov ..read more

A recent report by KFOR News has cast a spotlight on a significant issue within the cannabis industry in Oklahoma—the inaccuracy of THC labels on medical cannabis products. Jeffery Havard, a lab manager at Havard Industries, revealed alarming discrepancies in the THC content listed on cannabis product labels and the actual potency of these products. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component in marijuana, responsible for its effects on the brain. The accuracy of THC labeling is crucial for consumers seeking specific experiences and for ensuring product safety and consis ..read more

Request Admin Hearing with Gies Law Firm In recent weeks, several Oklahoma medical marijuana business applicants have received a crucial notice from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD). This letter notifies recipients of a critical requirement: to either produce a completed Certificate of Occupancy (COO), request an administrative hearing within 30 days, or face the possibility of forfeiting their permit application altogether, risking the operational status of their business. This development poses an urgent challenge to the medical marijuana business communi ..read more

The Oklahoma marijuana industry has faced a tumultuous year, marked by regulatory upheavals that have sent shockwaves through the state's burgeoning cannabis market. Two critical changes have precipitated a crisis: Senate Bill 15x's substantial fee hike and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control's (OBNDD) new Certificate of Occupancy prerequisite for manufacturers. SB 15x's impact was immediate and financially bruising, inflating annual OBNDD fees by an astonishing 400%, soaring from $500 to $2,500. This financial strain was compounded by the OBNDD's announcement that al ..read more

In the verdant fields of Oklahoma's cannabis industry, success hinges on more than just green thumbs; it requires specialized legal navigation. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has recently tightened its regulatory grip, introducing complex rules and intensifying its enforcement efforts. In such a climate, having an attorney on retainer isn’t a luxury—it’s an imperative. Below are five compelling reasons why securing continuous legal counsel is critical for those threading through the cannabis sector's dynamic legal maze. 1. The Regulatory Roller Coaster Cannabis laws are a pa ..read more

The medical marijuana landscape in Oklahoma is evolving once again. The industry's most recent regulatory updates have arrived, introducing key compliance elements that promise to impact both operators and patients. Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of the medical marijuana industry is no small task. With regular updates to the guidelines and regulations, it's essential to be both informed and compliant. Here are the pivotal changes you need to be aware of: 1. Enhanced Patient Transaction Documentation Dispensaries in Oklahoma will now face more rigorous documentation requirements for ev ..read more

Potential inaccuracies might shape policy decisions for Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana Market as a recent report presents questionable data on supply and demand. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) recently released an “empirical assessment of Oklahoma's medical marijuana market,“ spotlighting a massive supply and demand imbalance. As the state's cannabis industry continues to find its footing, several facets of this assessment call for more thorough examination and analysis. Understanding cannabis weight measurements As with any industry, the methods and metrics used for measuremen ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, understanding the complexities of partnership disputes is crucial for stability and success. As the cannabis industry in Oklahoma blossoms, it's only natural to witness the simultaneous growth in business complexities. The rush to get involved in this lucrative market has led many to enter partnerships hastily, often without comprehensive agreements in place. Unfortunately, this can result in disputes that can jeopardize the very foundation of the business. The Vulnerability of the Cannabis Industry to Partnership Disputes While dispute ..read more