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Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Names New Director

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OKLAHOMA:  The deputy director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will serve as interim director of the authority, officials announced Friday.

Kelly Williams replaces Travis Kirkpatrick, who was recently named deputy commissioner of prevention and preparedness at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Kirkpatrick, who will oversee the OMMA from his new position, chose Williams for the interim post. Kirkpatrick had been named director of the authority in January after serving as interim director for about three months.

“This is a young agency and we have seen massive growth over the past two years,” Williams said in a statement. “I look forward to the challenges and the rewards of growing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority into an agency that will make Oklahomans proud.”

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Says No To Pot Slushy Machines

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OKLAHOMA: The OMMA has received multiple inquiries regarding the processing and dispensing of marijuana-infused slushies on-site at medical marijuana dispensaries.  It is the OMMA’s position that marijuana-infused slushies are unlikely to meet requirements set forth in Oklahoma statutes and rules, including, but not limited to:  

  • All products must be in child-resistant packages. Generally, this means the package must be difficult for a 5-year-old to open; opaque; and, if intended for multiple uses (for example, containing multiple servings), capable of being resealed while remaining child-resistant. [See 63 O.S. 427.2 and OAC 310:681-1-4]
  • The medical marijuana production batch that must be tested is the finished product. In this instance, the finished product is the slushy mixture to be dispensed to patients/caregivers, not the syrup. If water, ice, or any other substance is added to the product, additional testing is required to ensure the product is safe for consumption and final-product labeling is accurate.  [See OAC 310:681-1-4 and OAC 310:681, Subchapters 7 and 8]
  •  Dispensaries are not allowed to alter, package, or label products. In addition, dispensaries must refuse to accept or return any medical marijuana products that have not been properly tested, packaged, and labeled by a licensed processor. [See OAC 310:681-1-4 and OAC 310:681-7-1(b)]

Additionally, slushies are considered food products and must be compliant with the Oklahoma State Department of Health food regulations. For more information, please visit the  OSDH Consumer Health Service Food website.

Oklahoma Mandatory Marijuana Products Testing To Begin July 1st

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OKLAHOMA: Beginning July 1st, all marijuana product sold by a grower or processor will be required to be tested by an Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) licensed laboratory.

The mandatory testing requirements were created by the Oklahoma Legislature and went into effect on Nov 1st, 2019. Since that time, the OMMA has been creating the rules and guidelines under the guidance of Laboratory Oversight Manager Lee Rhodes.

The OMMA has ten fully licensed laboratories in the state. There are many more in different stages of the licensing process. A fully licensed lab will have not only a license from OMMA but have been inspected by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Current requirements include:

  • Any dispensary customer may request the certificate of analysis from the dispensary. The document can be kept in either a paper or electronic format.
  • A processor or grower shall retain test results and related records for at least two years.

A list of the fully licensed labs can be found on the OMMA website.

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Sets April 1, 2020 Laboratory Deadline

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Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority

OKLAHOMA: Beginning April 1st, all marijuana product sold by a grower or processor will be required to be tested by an Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) licensed laboratory.

The mandatory testing requirements were created by the Oklahoma Legislature and went into effect on Nov 1st, 2019. Since that time, the OMMA has been creating the rules and guidelines under the guidance of Laboratory Oversight Manager Lee Rhodes.

The OMMA has ten fully licensed laboratories in the state. There are many more in different stages of the licensing process. A fully licensed lab will have not only a license from OMMA but have been inspected by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Current requirements include:

  • Any dispensary customer may request the certificate of analysis from the dispensary. The document can be kept in either a paper or electronic format.
  • A processor or grower shall retain test results and related records for at least two years.

A list of the fully licensed labs can be found on the OMMA website.

Oklahoma State Senate Rules Committee Sends Medical Marijuana ‘Unity’ Bill To Full Senate

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Rules committee sends medical marijuana ‘Unity’ bill to full Senate

OKLAHOMA: The Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to send the legislation known as the Unity Bill to the full Senate for approval. Sen. Greg McCortney is the chair of the Rules Committee and Senate principal author of House Bill 2612, creating the safety and regulatory framework necessary for Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry after voters approved State Question 788 last June. The measure has already been approved by the House.

The legislation is the result of work by a bipartisan, bicameral task force co-chaired by McCortney, which began meeting last summer to tackle many of the regulatory issues not directly addressed in the state question, including testing and labeling, work place safety issues, employer and employee rights.

McCortney, R-Ada, stressed HB 2612 ensures the will of the people as expressed with the passage of S.Q. 788.

“I want to stress that the statute that came out of the vote of the people is still 100 percent intact, 100 percent in law,” McCortney said. “This builds on top of that language in 788 so that we will have regulatory framework that addresses the safety and logistical issues pertaining to the medical marijuana industry now in our state. Whether it is the health and well-being of those choosing this type of medication or issues related to extraction and manufacturing of the product, safety has been our utmost concern throughout this process.”

McCortney said the earliest HB 2612 could come to the floor for a vote would be next Monday. He said additional trailer bills will follow to address specific issues not detailed in the Unity Bill, including clarifying the authority cities and counties have, such as zoning issues.

Oklahoma City School Board Approves On-Campus Medical Cannabis Use

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OKLAHOMA: Members of the school board for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (population: 644,000) unanimously voted last week in favor of new policy guidelines permitting caregivers to administer certain medical cannabis products to qualified patients while they are on school grounds.

Voters last June approved a sweeping statewide initiative legalizing and regulating the use and dispensing of medical cannabis to patients who possess authorization from their physician. Dispensary sales of medical cannabis began last month.

Under the new policy, which takes immediate effect, only designated caregivers — not school employees — will be able to administer cannabis products to student patients. Because state law prohibits any smoking on school property, caregivers may only administer non-smoked preparations of cannabis.

For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.

Larry Reed Tours SoL Reno

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By Larry Reed, Man On Weed

I was recently invited to tour the SoL facilities in Reno, NV.  The vertically integrated cannabis company is a sponsor of The 4th Annual Jack Herer Cup in Las Vegas, NV.  Named after the man who racked up hundreds of  thousands of miles crossing the country for nearly 40 years campaigning to restore the hemp plant to American agriculture, The Jack Herer Cup is different from the normal cannabis cups you might be familiar with. It’s not three days, there is no vending, and you won’t find $5 dab stations. This Cup is a very respectful way to say thank you to someone who has in some way shape or form taken care of your family by helping his family.

 

Sol_logo_withsocialLocated about 15 minutes south of Reno, “The Biggest Little City In The World,” SoL’s location is easy to get to from anywhere in the area and worth the drive even if you’re not, because what you will see there is that epic!  After signing in at the welcome desk, and entering through the security door, I turn left and whamo: a continuous span of 20 foot high windows, over 100ft long,  that provide a view into the field of mean green goodness! The complete view of the working garden is right before your eyes: 1,000 cannabis plants all in bud cycle producing an amazing landscape of colas super swollen, trichomes glistening in the light and the aroma of Mother Nature’s finest bouquet of cannabis.

Are you familiar with the term “hog leg?” Pungent with distinctive terpene profiles pack in the 23,000 square foot greenhouse! All grown in natural sunlight. I’m no scientist but it would seem to me that 1 Sun is greater than however many lights you want to try and emulate the most powerful light source in our universe.  No corners were cut in the creation of SoL, the greenhouse is on the forefront of technology in the under roof organic cannabis farm. There is even a 3 foot riser that allows you to see over the canopy. Think Bob Ross after he paints happy autumn trees. All of this is in the lounge area. Yes a lounge area, a kin to a common area in library or office, a place to decompress, perhaps grab a beverage from the coffee bar (yes there really is a coffee bar there) and go view what is happening in the commercial kitchen. Commercial Kitchen? Yes, the row of windows that permit you to see in the farm terminate into the side of the kitchen that is also behind windows.  Transparency, that is what is happening here: from the transparent garden roof to the see through walls, the glass windows of the kitchen, all in full view. And for good reason, SoL has an amazing chef ready to create and everyone gets to watch his culinary creations.

If you’re able to pull yourself away from the cannabis carnival going on in your ocular sockets, there is still the state of the art dispensary to visit.

A wonderful combination of high tech meets hands on.  Digital menus drape the walls giving you the luxury of strolling and shopping while being able to see the menu from any place in the dispensary.  Between the menus, the walls are adorned with helpful information and an innovative way of helping you decide which cannabis fits what effects you are desiring.  It really will help you, if maybe you have a hard time deciding over 100 different medical and recreational cannabis products.

How did this gregarious garden of ganja, the Taj Mahal of THC transparency, this kingdom of kindness ever to come into existence.  It was the brainchild of Ed Alexander and his partners; each facet of the facility has been well thought out and implemented to provide a very warm and welcoming experience to all that visit.  Two things really jump out at you when you meet Ed, first, he puts the effort in to do it right.  When I asked about his timing into the market he replied. “SoL could have been known for being first. but we would rather be known as the one(s) that lasted”.

SoL’s sponsorship of the Jack Herer Cup fits into the company philosophy. “Jack was all about making cannabis transparent, seeing what was actually behind all the misinformation, it is our plan to keep that going,” Alexander told me. “That’s why SoL is better.”

After you’ve reached your buying limit and have tickled your THC bone so much that you just gotta get going, you exit onto a 2,000 sq ft deck, complete with comfy couches to relax and enjoy the mountain air.  Look to the horizon and you see the largest ski mountain in the area. The trails are visible from the deck and with adult use facilities on the horizon, this space is going to be a favorite for weeders world wide.

From the moment you walk in to the last moment you walk out, the motto repeats itself, SoL is better. SoL provides you with the most unique experience in the emerging dispensary market that can be found today.  SoL’s grand opening celebration kicks of October 26/27/28, lots of good times and great cannabis, make it if you can, tell them Larry Reed sent ya.

Cannabis Pioneers Clear The Path In The Sooner State

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By Larry Reed, Man On Weed

Sooners is the name given to settlers who entered the Unassigned Lands in what is now the state of Oklahoma before the official start of the Land Rush of 1889. According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, the designation “Sooner” initially had a very negative connotation. However, that began to change by the time of statehood, and the appellation is no longer considered negative by most residents.

Its time for round two in a bit of a different context.  Cannabis, specifically medicinal cannabis is happening and there are plenty of Sooners on the path. The early settlers certainly will have their trials and tribulations, clearing the path for the future of cannabis, culture and commerce in the state.  The Sooner spirit is alive and well Oklahoma, and we have one of the most sensible medical program in the country.

Last Friday I attended the first OK Entrepreneurial Cannabis Leadership meeting organized by Jay “Greengrow” Wright.  Wright has created a space where those interested in medical cannabis business opportunities are welcome to come share who they are, what they do, and what they are looking for or have to offer.

It was a great event, with many people taking initiative to get up and speak.  There were growers, processors, retailers along with doctors and lawyers, scientists and engineers.  An amazing array encompassing the true vastness of the cannabis industry. The meeting lasted about two hours with many of us staying to keep the networking going into the night.  

A beautiful aspect of all this was, two hours before, none of us knew anyone at the meeting.  If you have ever gone down the cannabis commerce road, you know it is a pretty lonely feeling.  The tasks are many and some of the hills, turn into mountains with the amount of effort it takes to get over them.  Here we found fellow climbers, many with other skill sets that perhaps we lack that would compliment our dreams and we have perhaps the key that might help it unlock it for them.  Cooperation and teamwork are essential to success in any business and here in our canna-world it is probably even bigger.

Oklahoma Hempfest Rescheduled; New Dates June 7, 8 & 9th 2019

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OKLAHOMA:  Organizers have rescheduled the Sept 7-9th Oklahoma Hempfest, pushing back the original date and will instead roll out a series of smaller events, culminating in a concert to take place on June 7, 8 & 9th.

According to a press release, “Due to the magnitude and overwhelming response from the public regarding Hemp Fest of Oklahoma, the organizers have decided move the event and create ‘The Road To Hemp Fest’ which will consist of two additional events with the first being held Saturday, September 8 at the Sheraton Midwest City located at the Reed Conference Center 5750 Will Rogers Rd.

“Hemp Fest of Oklahoma just became bigger as we have added two additional events as it leads to the main festival in June of 2019,” explained organizer Scott McKinley.  “The first event will be held September 8, 2018 and the second one on April 20, 2019 to help make our three day festival bigger! Due to the dispensary opening date being pushed to December, we have chosen to move the three-day festival date to June allowing the brands in Oklahoma to develop an identity and join us in creating an Oklahoma market that joins the other twenty nine states where Medical/Recreational Cannabis is legal.”

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Lineup for the Sept 8th show is expected to be announced shortly.

Anyone who registered for tickets will be honored at all three events making Hemp Fest of Oklahoma the premiere destination for all of the United States!”

September’s agenda will be speakers from all over the United States giving a presentation on the importance of hemp and how it will have a positive effect in today’s economy.

Recording Artist/Actor Snoopadelic, AKA Snoop Dogg, is scheduled to headline the three-day festival in June 2019, as well as many of the artists that were signed on to perform. McKinley went on to add, “We want to bring a wide variety of musical performers along with guest speakers who will speak as to the advantages of hemp and what it can do for this nation’s economy.”

For More Information on Hempfest of Oklahoma or how you can be involved call 405-337-0400 or go to their website at www.oklahomahempfest.org.

Join our official The Road To Oklahoma Hempfest event page for all the latest information.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2116223018617561/?ti=icl

Oklahoma State Department of Health Names Twelve Member Medical Marijuana Food Safety Standards Board

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OKLAHOMA: As required by SQ788, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has appointed all 12 Oklahoma residents to the Medical Marijuana Food Safety Standards Board. Those members will provide recommendations for food safety standards for processing and handling medical marijuana.

The members include a number of representatives from state, county and tribal government, the scientific community, marijuana industry experts, and patient advocates. They will be tasked to create the food safety standards by the prescribed deadlines outlined in SQ788. These standards will be adopted by the agency and enforced by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) for medical marijuana processors.

“We tried to identify people with expertise in food handling and inspection, science and patient advocacy,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Tom Bates. “To make sure we had a variety of different voices at the table, we took a multi-disciplinary approach in the selection process.”

 Members selected include:

  • Becky Johnson, Pharmacist
  • Dr. Ravirajsinh Jadeja, Asst. Professor of Food Safety, Oklahoma State University
  • Scott Yates, Supervisor of Meat and Poultry Inspection, Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
  • Scott Schaeffer, Managing Director, Oklahoma Poison Control
  • Fenton Rood, Asst. Director of Land Protection, Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Mark Woodward, Public Information/Education Officer and Legislative Liaison, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
  • Bud Scott, Executive Director, New Health Solutions Oklahoma
  • Ray Jennings, Patient Advocate
  • Kara Burst, Executive Officer, Business Sustainability and Auxiliary Services, Department of Commerce, Chickasaw Nation
  • Dr. Edd Rhoades, Medical Director, Oklahoma State Department of Health
  • Troy Skow, Consumer Protection Administrator, OKC-County Health Department
  • Travis Splawn, Field Supervisor, Tulsa Health Department

Informational forms are currently online at OMMA.ok.gov and have been updated to reflect revised emergency rules approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Health and Governor Fallin. Any forms previously completed will be accepted when applications for all medical marijuana licenses can be submitted online on August 25.