The Metropolis Sentinel Workers Report
Sen. James Leewright, R-Bristow, mentioned in a latest press launch that Senate Invoice 1033 – signed into regulation by Governor Kevin Stitt — implies that “the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Harmful Medication (OBNDD) can proceed with creating and finalizing agreements that can higher shield authentic Oklahoma companies by guaranteeing extra assets to go after legal operations.
Leewright was principal creator of the laws. He spoke about it in a legislative employees press launch despatched to The Metropolis Sentinel, CapitolBeatOK.com and different information organizations.
“We wish to shield our authentic Oklahoma companies and, on the identical time, ship a robust message that Oklahoma will not be a protected haven for legal organizations,” Leewright mentioned.
“Senate Invoice 1033 gives the statutory authority for key agreements geared toward each of these considerations.”
Leewright, chair of the Senate Committee on Enterprise, Commerce and Tourism, mentioned previous to S.B. 1033, OMMA may solely use its assets for administrative functions. Beneath Leewright’s invoice (which was signed by the governor on Might 28), OMMA and OBNDD will be capable of enter into agreements that can present assets for devoted brokers.
“It’s solely been three years since Oklahomans authorised medical marijuana, however I don’t assume anybody may have predicted the explosion in grows, processors or dispensaries in that point — in Creek County alone, we’ve gone from having zero to about 286 grows, with over 2,200 statewide,” Leewright mentioned. “This provides us the mandatory authorization and the assets to go after legal operations.”
Mark Woodward, legislative liaison for OBNDD, mentioned the company has been investigating unlawful operations, however having assets for a devoted unit can be a game-changer.
“We all know we have now legal organizations shifting into our state, usually hiring Oklahomans as straw homeowners. A hundred percent of the product could find yourself on the black market,” Woodward mentioned.
“This new regulation means we will create a full time marijuana enforcement unit with the one function of figuring out and eradicating legal organizations.”
Along with strengthening Oklahoma statutes to assist enforcement, the laws additionally authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Fee (OTC) to cost OMMA a 1.5 % payment for accumulating the 7 % medical marijuana tax. This can assist with prices related for tax assortment and compliance.
“OMMA is dedicated to affected person and public security. We’re growing OMMA compliance and enforcement staffing in addition to working with different companies throughout the state to make sure oversight and accountability on this quickly rising trade,” mentioned Kelly Williams, OMMA director. “We recognize Senator Leewright’s help in these efforts.”
