New Oklahoma laws bring changes for drivers, medical marijuana patients

Oklahoma drivers and medical marijuana patients will see stricter rules under new state laws aimed at public safety. The changes affect how doctors recommend medical marijuana and what is allowed inside vehicles.

Here are five key things to know:

1. Doctors must meet new requirements to recommend medical marijuana

   Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, doctors who want to recommend medical marijuana must complete a required education course and register with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Physicians who do not meet those requirements will no longer be able to recommend patients, and applications tied to them will be rejected.
   Previously, doctors only needed an active medical license in good standing under Senate Bill 1066.

2. Marijuana use is banned inside vehicles

   Updates to marijuana-related DUI laws that took effect in November make it illegal for marijuana to be used anywhere inside a vehicle. The rule applies to both drivers and passengers. Lawmakers say the change closes loopholes that previously made enforcement difficult.

3. Drivers can be charged for secondhand smoke

   Drivers may now face charges if someone else in the vehicle is smoking marijuana. Law enforcement officials say the law treats marijuana similarly to alcohol when it comes to vehicle use and responsibility.

4. Open containers are not allowed

   Captain Mike Heisten with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office said marijuana cannot be openly used or accessible inside a vehicle, even though it is legal in some forms in Oklahoma.

   “Although marijuana is prescribed and in some forms legal in the state of Oklahoma, you don’t have a cart-blank opportunity to just use it whenever you want,” Heisten said.

    

5. A medical marijuana card does not prevent DUI charges

   marijuana cannot be openly used or accessible inside a vehicle, even though it is legal in some forms in Oklahoma.

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Several other Oklahoma laws also take effect Jan. 1, impacting criminal justice, consumer protections, healthcare transparency, and business regulations.

Sentencing Modernization Act (HB 1792): Creates a standardized 14-class felony system to bring more consistency to sentencing across Oklahoma.

• Halo Law: Makes it illegal to interfere with emergency responders, including EMTs and firefighters.
• Retail theft laws: Establish new classifications for organized or tool-assisted theft.

Data Breach Notification Act (SB 626): Expands the types of personal data protected, including biometric information, and requires companies to notify the Attorney General within 60 days if a breach affects more than 500 people.

• False deed filings: Makes recording a fraudulent deed or land title a felony.

Ambulance rates: Creates a public database of ambulance service rates and allows the Oklahoma Insurance Department to cap reimbursements tied to Medicare rates.

• Commerce Board: Establishes the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Board.

Notaries public: Requires national criminal background checks for new notaries.

• Adoption tax credit: Increases the allowable credit for certain nonrecurring adoption expenses.
• Lodging taxes: Excludes discounted or complimentary hotel rooms from lodging tax calculations.
• Wind energy: Requires new wind facilities to obtain FAA approval for specific lighting.