Oklahoma used to be very conservative concerning cannabis laws (6 months jail time and a $1,200 fine for possession) but has flipped the switch to becoming less strict about it since June 2018. Medical cannabis is now legally permitted in Oklahoma (possession of up to 3 ounces and grow a maximum of 12 plants, possession is fined $400) and has intensively been booming with an increase in both sales and medical patients due to the establishment of its specific medical cannabis program. Its success can be demonstrated by the almost $10 million in state tax revenue per month that’s being generated through Oklahoma’s cannabis industry, according to the state tax commission. Having such a constant number in sales indicates a high possibility of financial security over a longer period of time, a saver in times of economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic but there is no guarantee that the numbers will remain high.
No doubt the increases are visible: a 25% increase in sales in April compared to March, a 15 % increase in the number of approved medical cannabis patients over the past 3 months, and 7% of the state’s population are registered, medical cannabis patients. However, it is not clear yet if these are peaks influenced by the following factors: 4/20 sales, that people have been stocking up on cannabis due to the pandemic and they are also consuming it more due to staying at home more than before.
Open Borders
Apart from the COVID19 situation, what makes Oklahoma stand out in terms of its cannabis industry is that its state follows a “free-market approach”. This approach creates many opportunities for business seekers to develop their potential in the cannabis industry as well as open access to cannabis for everyone without too many extra hurdles. In comparison to many other states, Oklahoma’s lack of license caps makes the licensing process easier, quicker, and affordable as well as their liberal laws in regards to obtaining a medical cannabis card through a simple doctor’s approval are very appealing. In addition, people from Arkansas and other states are attracted to purchasing their cannabis in Oklahoma because it is cheaper, whereas regular people with less income are facing fewer restrictions but more encouragement to open their own cannabis business there. On top of that, it is even possible to have multiple licenses, another reason to invest in Oklahoma’s cannabis industry.
Cannabis Delivery Not Available
Current efforts of the Oklahoma legislature are even pursuing the legal possibility for out-of-state residents to receive medical cannabis from Oklahoma per delivery and to obtain a temporary medical cannabis license for a maximum of 3 months. Despite these efforts, the delivery of medical cannabis has not been legally granted yet– something that has already taken place in many other states- and because of this small cannabis business owners are struggling to get through the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, this places a lot of strain on those depending on cannabis for successfully treating their health issues.
Safety & Security Concerns
Other safety concerns are being expressed and are directed toward dispensaries being located too close to schools and churches, possibly bringing across the wrong message to younger generations. By looking at Oklahoma’s cannabis industry, it becomes clear that a free-market approach has its good sides in terms of open opportunities and easier access, but this does not mean that security is granted on all levels. By having the people make the decisions on how the cannabis industry is to unfold and develop, there is not a lot of governmental control with a steady legal framework taking place. Any attempt that has been made in that direction, such as the policymaker’s proposals for limitations of where dispensaries are located and where they are allowed to advertise, has so far been protested against. In order to make cannabis secure enough for its people, a certain level of governmental control with legal guidelines should be present. Otherwise, it might get out of hand and people will be too concerned with what they want instead of what is safe for themselves and for others.