Are you thinking about getting into cannabis cultivation in Oklahoma? The Sooner State has some of the most accessible licensing policies in the country. If you are serious about growing here, there are some important Oklahoma cannabis cultivation regulations that you need to understand and follow.
Whether you’re just starting out or already operating a company, here is what growers must know.
Licensing Is the First Big Step
Before you plant your first seed, you need a medical marijuana grower license from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). However, you have to do more than sign up. You will want to make sure you meet all the licensing requirements. These include:
- You must be at least 25 years old.
- At least 75% of your business ownership must consist of Oklahoma residents. There needs to be proof of two years of continuous residency or five years within the past 25.
- A criminal background check is mandatory. Certain felony convictions can disqualify you.
After you have met the requirements, you can start the application process. You will need to:
- Submit a Certificate of Compliance: You need to get this from your city or county. This confirms that you are not violating any local zoning or safety codes.
- Complete an online application through OMMA’s portal: You need to upload all required documents and pay a non-refundable application fee.
- Report any foreign financial interests within 60 days of license approval: This is a new requirement. If you miss this step, your license can be at risk.
Staying Compliant
Once you have received your license, you need to keep compliant or lose your it. One of the biggest parts of compliance is abiding by the seed-to-sale process. All licensed growers must use Metrc. This is Oklahoma’s official seed-to-sale tracking system. This system logs every stage of your plant’s life cycle, from when it sprouts to when it is sold. It is your digital paper trail. OMMA will use this data to make sure that you stay compliant.
Along with that, you need to vet every employee. Everyone involved in growing cannabis must have an official credential from OMMA. With that, you can make sure everyone on your team meets state guidelines and that your operation stays legitimate.
You also need to be mindful of the packaging and labeling requirements. Starting June 1, 2025, all cannabis must be pre-packaged before it leaves your facility. That is due to House Bill 3361, which created uniformity and improved consumer safety.
Labels must meet OMMA’s standards. You must have information about potency, ingredient disclosures, and warnings.
Report to the State
You might be great at growing, but you need to stay on top of any paperwork. There are monthly reports to be made.
OMMA requires all growers to file these reports. These will detail how much product you have harvested and where it has gone. With that, you can keep your license in good standing. Remember that missing a report can trigger penalties.
You will also need to keep meticulous records of every plant, batch, sale, and waste disposal activity. These records should be available for inspection at any time. You must also keep them for several years. If OMMA comes for an inspection, you need to have everything in order.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Cannabis laws in Oklahoma are not set in stone. The state has passed several updates since launching its medical program. There are more changes on the horizon. For example, Senate Bill 1939 updated ownership transfers and license renewals. Another bill strengthened inspection authority and improved OMMA’s enforcement capabilities. Staying current is more than good practice; it is important to stay licensed.
Learn More and Stay Compliant in the Sooner State
Oklahoma cannabis cultivation regulations have come a long way over the past few years. If you’re growing cannabis in the state or planning to, compliance needs to be more than an afterthought. From securing your license to managing employees, tracking inventory, and submitting reports, every step must be done by the book for your cannabis business.
If you are ready to grow or want to get started, reach out to Brune Law Firm. Schedule a consultation by calling 918-380-3628.