Board of Health to consider medical marijuana rules on July 10

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has worked for the past three months to develop a framework for implementing the requirements of State Question 788.

Now that Oklahoma voters have approved the measure, the Health Department’s interim Commissioner, Tom Bates, says the agency is ready to meet those requirements by the specified time and that the process will be handled with integrity.

Emergency rules governing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will be considered by the Oklahoma State Board of Health at its July 10 meeting.

Application information and requirements will be available by July 26 for all of the defined categories and the agency will begin accepting applications no later than Aug. 25.

Program information will be made available at omma.ok.gov.

“Please do not visit the state or county health department offices with questions relating to medical marijuana. We are still working with limited staff who deliver clinical and other services across the state,” Bates said.

“All relevant information and instructions will be provided online.”

The application process will be available at the required time and will be enhanced in the coming months to make it more efficient for all interested parties, Bates said.

“It may take some time to fully implement all of the steps recommended in preparation for this new program, but we will continue to work to meet the letter of the law and to protect the health and safety of all Oklahomans,” Bates said.

A phone number will provide pre-recorded information for interested applicants. The number is (405) 271-2266.