Oklahoma medical marijuana changes debated by lawmakers
- mike33692
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Changes: Paxton Says Legislature Can Act Without Statewide Vote
Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton says Oklahoma lawmakers can continue tightening oversight of the state’s medical marijuana industry without sending a question to voters, pushing back after Governor Kevin Stitt suggested a statewide vote to potentially “shut down” the program.
Paxton said the Legislature has already made significant progress reducing illegal activity and stabilizing the market, and he believes policymakers are capable of making additional changes through the normal legislative process.
Legislative Approach to Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Changes
Speaking after the governor’s remarks to lawmakers, Paxton said he supports continued reforms but does not believe dismantling the voter-approved medical marijuana system is necessary.
He noted that lawmakers have passed a series of regulatory measures in recent years targeting licensing, compliance, and enforcement. Those efforts were designed to address rapid industry growth and concerns about illegal operations tied to some licensed facilities.
Paxton said legislative oversight allows policymakers to respond quickly as new challenges emerge while preserving access for qualified patients and legitimate businesses.
Industry Shrinks as Enforcement Increases
Paxton pointed to the dramatic decline in licensed grow operations as evidence the state is moving in the right direction. A few years ago, Oklahoma had more than 10,000 licensed grow facilities. That number has since dropped to roughly 2,000 as regulators and law enforcement targeted illegal activity.
State agencies, including the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, have increased inspections and enforcement actions, closing non-compliant operations and tightening licensing standards.
Lawmakers say the goal is to create a more stable, compliant industry while protecting patients and ensuring tax revenues tied to medical cannabis remain intact.
Ongoing Debate Over Future of the Program
Governor Stitt has repeatedly raised concerns about the size of the medical marijuana industry and the challenges regulators face overseeing it. His call for a potential statewide vote reflects ongoing debate about whether broader structural changes are needed.
Paxton, however, said lawmakers are capable of making targeted policy adjustments without reversing the will of voters who approved the medical marijuana program.
He emphasized that the Legislature will continue reviewing proposals related to licensing caps, testing requirements, and enforcement authority as the session moves forward.
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