OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Today, the U.S Department of Justice issued a final order to reclassify marijuana at the federal level.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is closely monitoring developments and working with stakeholders across the nation to understand the scope and potential implications of the change. As details emerge, OMMA leadership shares the preliminary statement below:
“There are still unanswered questions about how the federal reclassification will directly affect Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry and patients,” said OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry. “Our team is taking the time to carefully review this change and plan for a smooth implementation.”
OMMA is hopeful that the move from Schedule I to Schedule III will strengthen the agency's mission to protect patient health and safety through expanded research opportunities. "New research findings have the potential to redefine how medical marijuana is grown, processed, tested, sold, recommended and consumed,” Berry said. "That’s something we view as a positive development, and we’ll continue evaluating what it means for every aspect of Oklahoma’s industry.”
The reclassification brings potential tax breaks, opportunities for banking, and new requirements for OMMA-licensed businesses to register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, strengthening compliance and transparency and supporting the long-term stability of regulated programs like the one we have in Oklahoma, Berry added.
“Clear federal guidance can play an important role in reinforcing safe and responsible operations across the medical marijuana industry,” she said.
OMMA’s priority remains ensuring a safe, compliant and well-regulated program for Oklahoma. The agency will continue to evaluate federal changes and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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