Agricultural News
OMMA's Adria Berry Updates OCA Members on the State of the Medical Marijuana Industry
Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:38:06 CST
Since the passage of State Question 788, the legalization of medical marijuana has plagued Oklahoma lawmakers, leadership and agricultural producers. With just 60 days to establish licensing, regulations and program administration, it is no wonder the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has struggled to oversee the state's newest commodity.
In August 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Adria Berry as director of OMMA. In her first months in the new role, she has been praised by all sides of the aisle for her competence and cooperation. Joining Oklahoma Cattlemen and their Winter Policy Meeting, Berry updated producers on OMMA's progress.
"When I came in, the number-one area I knew we had to focus on immediately was hiring compliance inspectors," Berry said. "We did not have enough inspectors to get out and actually lay eyes on our licensed facilities."
During the OCA meeting, Berry told producers that Oklahoma has one of one the highest amount of medical marijuana growers in the nation, which grossly outnumbers the number of Oklahoma patients. As of December 2021, more than 13,600 facilities, dispensaries, growers and processors are licensed in the state.
"We start reigning in the industry by enforcing our laws," Berry said. "Once we have the Seed-to-Sale program running, we will be able to get a handle on the situation."
The Seed-to-Sale tracking system is waiting on guidance provided by the court. If the court chooses to lift the stay on the system on Feb 24, the tracking system will require all medical marijuana product traceability from - exactly how it sounds - seed to consumer.
"Right now, we do this all by hand," Berry said. "People submit their monthly reports to us, telling us what they have on hand, and we basically have to trust and verify once our compliance inspectors go out there."
At this time, Berry said the state doesn't have enough staff members to handle the massive workload. Berry adds that if you see illegal activity taking place near your farm or ranch, you are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. If you wish to file a complaint against a medical marijuana business, you can complete the OMMA Business Complaint Form.
"If you submit (a complaint) to us and we realize there is a criminal element going on, we are going to loop in the bureau of narcotics," Berry said.
Hit the LISTEN BAR to hear KC Sheperd and Adria Berry talk about the state of Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana industry at the recent OCA Winter Policy Meeting.
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