For the first time since it was formed the joint Medical Marijuana Working Group took a vote on a set of priorities for testing medical marijuana to ensure its safety. Before the vote, the lawmakers heard from the Oklahoma banking industry about how federal law will keep most banks from providing services to marijuana based businesses.
The eight lawmakers in attendance voted for the list of priorities. The recommendations will be sent to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for consideration by the Board of Health. Lawmakers believe the Board can issue the rules without overstepping its authority.
“From Day One, our objective has been to collect information and seek input from stakeholders from all across the industry so that the state can develop and implement a safe and effective medical marijuana industry,” said Working Group co-chair Senator Greg McCortney. “Testing has been a high priority and the recommendations the working group made today, will help ensure that Oklahomans have access to safe medicine. This is the first of many steps the state must take to fully implement a successful, effective and safe medical marijuana industry in accordance with the will of voters. Work will continue as we sort through a variety of issues like banking and taxation, employment law, and licensing issues. This has been a bipartisan effort on behalf of the Senate and the House. I appreciate the hard work of my co-chair and all the members of the committee.”
You can watch Wednesday’s meeting in the House video below.
