Oklahoma Senate passes bill to target illegal weed industry

Tuesday’s Oklahoma Senate vote approved legislation to target the illegal weed industry. It requires medical marijuana businesses that are operating on Oklahoma’s property to show proof of legal occupying it. Senate Bill 806, a measure to regulate Oklahoma’s medical marijuana sector, was approved by the Oklahoma Senate by a 41-1 vote on Tuesday. It now heads to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for consideration. Senator Brent Howard, who is the author of Senate Bill 806, stated that the bill was intended to assist law enforcement in regulating medical marijuana. This legislation was passed by the House and signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. The legislation, if passed by the House and signed by Governor Kevin Stitt would limit the number medical marijuana businesses that can list the exact same physical address on license applications. Howard spoke about Senate Bill 806. This makes it almost impossible for law enforcements to determine what product is illegal and to properly investigate the case. To improve regulation and stop illegal business activity, this bill would limit the number licenses that can be listed at one address. This proof could be a copy or signed lease for the property. Multiple licenses in the same category of medical marijuana licenses are not allowed to be held at the same address or physical location. Howard stated that the bill was intended to assist the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and the state Bureau of Narcotics in identifying medical marijuana businesses operating without a license from the state. “By requiring full disclosure of possessory rights, OMMA/OBN will be able ensure that no illegal operations or bad actors are abusing Oklahoma lands. “This bill would also ensure that we know that there aren’t straw purchasers for illegal foreign sellers coming in after we have approved the initial application.” Howard said. The state of Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana in 2018 with the passage of State Quest 788. It has low entry barriers, including no license fees for cannabis businesses and no limit on the number dispensaries. Nearly 62% of voters rejected the proposal, State Question 820. Nearly 62% of voters rejected the proposal, State Question 820. After State Question 820 was rejected at the polls, Stitt stated that this is not what it was supposed to be. “This was supposed be about medical use within the state of Oklahoma, but it’s gotten out of control.” Stitt said that he had seen Oklahomans refuse to allow it. “They were so tired seeing dispensaries on every corner.” Since then, dozens of cannabis-related bills have been filed by state lawmakers for this year’s legislative. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond thanked Oklahoma lawmakers for passing three measures, including Senate Bill 806. Drummond stated in a Tuesday statement that Oklahoma’s illegal marijuana grow operations pose a serious risk to public safety, especially in rural areas infested by organized criminals from China or Mexico. “As the chief law enforcement officer of the state, I am committed working hand-in-hand with Oklahoma’s law enforcement agencies in order to deliver justice and restore peace.