New Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Rules: Doctor Registration and Education Required in 2026

30 December 2025

Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program enters 2026 with new limits on physician recommendations and cannabis use in vehicles. Starting January 1, 2026, doctors must complete state-approved education and register with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority before recommending cannabis. A separate law, focused on impaired driving, also adds limits on marijuana consumption and storage inside vehicles.

The physician training rule comes from Senate Bill 1066, signed by Governor Kevin Stitt in May. Under this law, doctors who fail to register or complete training can no longer issue valid recommendations after January 1. Patient applications linked to unregistered doctors will be rejected. A recommendation now depends on both a medical license and OMMA approval.

Before SB 1066, physician rules were less strict. Doctors only needed an active license in good standing. Oversight came from boards such as the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. The earlier system relied on what a reasonable physician might do when recommending cannabis.

To comply with the new law, Oklahoma offers physicians three education courses. The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists charges $199 and lists validity through October 1, 2027. The Answer Page course costs $95 and runs through May 21, 2026. MM411 costs $99 and remains valid until December 31, 2026. OMMA data suggests about 260 doctors are currently registered to recommend medical marijuana statewide.

Lawmakers also adjusted rules tied to cannabis and driving. Senate Bill 786, effective in November, bans marijuana use by anyone inside a vehicle. Drivers may face charges if a passenger smokes cannabis while traveling. Lawmakers described this as second-hand exposure inside the car.

The law sets storage rules that mirror alcohol open-container limits. Cannabis must stay in its original sealed package and be kept out of reach, such as in a trunk. The statute also states that a medical marijuana card does not shield drivers from DUI charges. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges and fines of up to $500.

Taken together, these changes point to stricter enforcement within Oklahoma’s medical marijuana system. Patients should book appointments through trusted clinics, and may want to confirm that their recommending doctor is properly registered and trained. Drivers transporting cannabis may also need to pay closer attention to packaging and in-vehicle use rules as 2026 begins.

For residents who still qualify under state law, medical cannabis remains available through licensed providers, if approved by a registered physician.