Oklahoma Medical Marijuana

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Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card >
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Patient Information >
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What is Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma?

Patients diagnosed with debilitating health conditions in Oklahoma may benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Rules allow physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients using their professional judgment that such patients will benefit from its use. Patients use medical cannabis to treat qualified health conditions because of the presence of certain active ingredients. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) interact with the body to relieve pain, stimulate appetite, reduce seizure frequency, etc. However, the full extent of medical cannabis' effect on the body is an ongoing debate among different scientists studying it.

To use medical marijuana in Oklahoma, such patients must possess an MMJ card which the State Health Department issues. The MMJ card will allow the patient or their caregivers to purchase medical marijuana products from registered dispensaries. A physician must recommend the patient for medical marijuana use. Registration for an MMJ card is through the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), which oversees the administration of the medical marijuana program. OMMA operates under the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The administration of OMMA is regulated by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Rules (OMMA rules) and State Question 788

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Oklahoma?

Yes. Medical marijuana became legal in Oklahoma when voters approved SQ 788 on June 26, 2018. Pursuant to SQ 788, Oklahoma residents suffering from debilitating medical conditions can legally use medicinal marijuana for the treatment of such conditions if they joined the state's medical marijuana program. SQ 788 established the Oklahoma medical marijuana program and directed the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to administer the regulations governing it. The OMMA is created under the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). Patients and caregivers who have been added to the Oklahoma medical cannabis registry can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis on them and 8 ounces at home as well as 1 ounce of cannabis concentrates and 72 ounces of medical marijuana edibles.

Who Can Get Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma?

Residents of Oklahoma who have obtained medical cannabis certifications from qualified healthcare practitioners attesting that they suffer from debilitating medical conditions can get medical marijuana. Although the state does not have a list of approved medical conditions, common illnesses and conditions for which patients receive certifications for medical marijuana use include:

• Cancer
• HIV
• AIDS
• Cachexia
• Muscle spasms
• Crohn's disease
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Neuropathic pain disorders
• Severe nausea
• Chronic or severe pain
• Wasting syndrome
• Autism
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Visitors and out-of-state patients may also be able to get medical marijuana in Oklahoma through the reciprocity offer of the state's medical marijuana program. Upon application and approval, a temporary resident may be granted a temporary adult patient license to purchase and use medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma?

Qualified medical marijuana patients in Oklahoma can grow up to six mature marijuana plants and six seedlings under S8 788. Patients may also designate caregivers to grow these on their behalf. Caregivers are limited to the same number of plants for cultivation as patients. SQ 788 stipulates that the area used for marijuana cultivation be hidden from public areas. Proper measures must also be taken to mitigate the odor of the plants cultivated and restrict access to the cultivation area for minors.

Do You Need to See a Doctor to Get Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma?

Yes. SQ 788 requires persons seeking medical marijuana in Oklahoma to obtain medical marijuana certifications from qualified physicians before applying for medical marijuana cards. Patients must obtain such certifications within 30 days from the date of their application submissions. Oklahoma permits any physician registered and licensed as a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or a podiatric physician to issue medical marijuana certification. The physician is required to be in good standing in the State of Oklahoma and maintain a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the applicant.

The State of Oklahoma stipulates this meeting with a physician to ensure that a prospective medical marijuana user has been diagnosed as suffering from a debilitating condition that will benefit from the palliative and therapeutic effects of medical marijuana use and the individual is aware of the potential risks and benefits of medical marijuana use. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority provides a list of physicians who have voluntarily registered with the OMMA and indicated their willingness to see patients and issue medical marijuana certifications. The list on the OMMA website is not an exhaustive one, as there are physicians who have not authorized OMMA to share their information publicly. Note that the OMMA has only provided the list as a courtesy and does not endorse or guarantee the services and availability of the listed physicians.

Can a Minor Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Oklahoma?

The State of Oklahoma, through SQ 788, makes a provision for residents under the age of 18 to obtain and use medical marijuana. The OMMA issues a separate medical marijuana minor patient license to residents under the age of 18. Like adult medical marijuana patients, minors are required to obtain medical marijuana certifications from approved physicians before obtaining medical marijuana. Unlike adult medical marijuana adult patients, recommendations must be obtained from two approved physicians and not one.

Upon obtaining recommendations from approved physicians, a minor must also get their parent or legal guardian to sign their application before this may be approved. Although a minor patient may assign a caregiver, the State of Oklahoma does not automatically approve a caregiver. However, the attending physicians are authorized to certify a patient's medical need for a caregiver. On its own, a patient's status as a minor does not qualify them for a caregiver.

Note that approved minors are not permitted to smoke or vaporize medical marijuana unless both recommending healthcare providers consent that it is medically necessary. The use of nebulizers and aerosolized medical devices are permitted.

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oklahoma

The medical marijuana card in Oklahoma is referred to as the medical marijuana patient license. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) issues medical marijuana patient licenses to adults, minors, caregivers, and out-of-state patients. To obtain a medical marijuana adult patient license, the following will be required:

• Physician recommendation form
• A clear, color digital photograph
• Proof of identity, such as:
• Valid Oklahoma driver's license or identification card
• United States passport or any other photo identification issued by the government
• Tribal government-issued identification cards approved for identification uses by the Department of Public Safety
• Proof of residency, such as:
• State of Oklahoma-issued driver's license or ID card
• The preceding year's State of Oklahoma tax return
• Utility bill for the calendar month prior to the application submission date. Cellular phone, television, and internet bills are not accepted
• Residential property deed to Oklahoma property
• Proof of Medicare, Medicaid, or disabled veteran status, if applicable
• Payment for the appropriate application fee

Once the documents listed above are ready, visit the OMMA website and select "Apply." You will be required to create an account with your email address if you do not have one. Wait for your verification email, which will arrive shortly after creating an account on the OMMA portal. Upon verification, fill out your application, upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and submit the application to complete the process.

The OMMA reviews a medical marijuana card application for approval within 14 business days of the application submission date. Once the application is approved, it takes 1 - 2 additional business days to print the card. The OMMA will mail the card to your address using regular United States Postal Service first-class mail.

For more information on obtaining medical marijuana patient licenses for minors, out-of-state patients, short-term patients, and caregivers, visit the patient licenses page of the OMMA website. You may also contact the OMMA call center by calling (405) 522-6662.

Does Oklahoma Allow Medical Marijuana Patients to Designate Caregivers?

Yes. Under the Oklahoma medical marijuana program, the state issues caregiver licenses to family members and assistants who regularly care for medical marijuana patients. The license, which is in the form of an identification card, permits a caregiver to purchase, transport, possess, grow, and administer medical marijuana and medical marijuana products to licensed patients. An approved caregiver may only be designated as a caregiver for up to five licensed patients. An adult medical marijuana patient may only designate one caregiver. Minor patients are permitted to designate up to two licensed caregivers.

Although patients are responsible for designating caregivers, the attending physicians must certify the need for caregivers by completing the caregiver certification sections of their physician authorization forms. Note that caregiver licenses are valid till the expiration date for the associated licensed patients, not exceeding two years.

What Is the Cost of an Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card?

The application for an adult medical marijuana patient license in Oklahoma is $100. The state offers a reduced fee for disabled veterans and persons with proof of Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare enrollments. Such persons will only pay $20 instead of $100 for a medical marijuana card. Note that the fee for a medical marijuana card is nonrefundable. Application fees may be paid by MasterCard, Visa, or Discover debit or credit cards. Note that an additional processing fee will be charged for payments made with credit and debit cards. Applicants may also use prepaid MasterCard or Visa cards obtained from retail stores to load payment amounts and make payments. The renewal fee for adult medical marijuana patient licenses is the same as the initial application fee.

What Do You Need When Visiting a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Oklahoma?

You should present your medical marijuana patient license and another form of identification any time you want to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Oklahoma. Oklahoma medical marijuana dispensaries may verify your OMMA registration with a physical medical marijuana ID card or via the state's database. If you are a minor patient, you will not be permitted to enter a medical marijuana dispensary without your parent or legal guardian.

How to Renew Your Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card

Adult patient licenses are valid for either 24 months or 60 days from the issue date. You can renew your medical marijuana patient license within 30 days of the expiration date printed on the card. Once you are in the renewal window, visit the OMMA patient license renewal portal and sign in with the same email account to create your profile on the OMMA patient licensing portal. Select "Patient Portal" to commence the renewal process and follow the prompts to complete the process. The process is similar to the initial application process and can be completed in a few minutes. Note that a renewal fee applies, and an active medical marijuana recommendation from your attending physician will be required. Typically, the renewal application will be approved or denied in 2 - 3 weeks.

Is it Possible to Overdose on Cannabis in Oklahoma?

Yes. A marijuana user can overdose on it if the dosage is too high. However, there has been no record of fatal overdose on marijuana in Oklahoma. An overdose is when the substance used becomes toxic, and it affects the psychological functioning of the user and may sometimes lead to death. Even though marijuana overdoses may not be fatal, their effects on the body may still be adverse. Delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), an active ingredient of marijuana, is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. THC can reside in the human body for a long time, and high composition may leave the following side effects:

• Diminishing the user's ability to reason.
• Short-term memory.
• Daily cough and phlegm production.
• Frequent lung illness.
• Chronic bronchitis.
• Increased risk of lung infection.
• High levels of anxiety
• Panic attack
• Rapid heart rate
• Difficulty conversing
• Poor coordination
• High or low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
• Marijuana Induced Psychosis (MIP).

Although what amount of marijuana causes an overdose is relative, there is no standard regulated amount of cannabis that causes an overdose. People who are over-reliant on it can easily get overdosed and be diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder. To better manage each situation, the patient should use the recommended dosage and report any adverse side effects to their physician.

If I am Pregnant, Can I Use Cannabis to Relieve Nausea in Oklahoma?

No, pregnant women in Oklahoma should never use medical marijuana to alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy. Even though the OMMA Rules do not prohibit a pregnant woman from receiving medical cannabis, the physician must still inform the woman of the potential effects. According to the Center for Disease Control, the active chemicals in marijuana, primarily THC, can be harmful. When a pregnant woman uses medical marijuana, THC, and other chemicals, they can easily pass through the placenta to the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child oxygen through the umbilical cord. Chemicals from marijuana also may pass to the baby's brain. The unborn child may further suffer the following consequences as a result of marijuana use by the pregnant woman:

• Premature birth (birth of the baby happening before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
• Fetal growth restriction and low birthweight. Fetal growth restriction means the baby does not gain the proper weight they should have gained before birth.
• Short body length or small head size.
• Anencephaly is a severe Neural Tube Defect (NTD).
• Anemia (the baby will not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their body).
• Problems with the baby's brain development.
• Stillbirth.

The problem the baby may face is not limited to the pregnancy stage. When the baby is born, they may face other issues and may need to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where sick babies get care. The babies may suffer from

• Withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, tremors, nausea, vomiting, or slow weight gain. Although they go away within the first two weeks after birth
• Insomnia
• Problems with behavior and memory

For further information on how best to deal with pregnancy symptoms, the pregnant woman can consult with their OB/GYN.