A new senate bill proposes purchasing limits for Oklahoma medical marijuana patients
Senate Bill 320 introduced by Senator George burns would impose weekly purchasing limits on flower for Oklahoma medical marijuana patients.
Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program has been a national standout for its accessibility and patient-friendly structure. However, proposed changes under Senate Bill 320 (2025) aim to impose a weekly purchase cap on patients, sparking concern among industry advocates and patients alike. This blog explores the implications of the proposal and its potential impact on patients and businesses.
Under SB 320, licensed medical marijuana patients would be restricted to a weekly cap of 2.5 ounces (approximately 70.9 grams) of marijuana, regardless of how many dispensaries they visit. Currently, patients may purchase up to 3 ounces per visit, without any limits on how many visits they make in a day or week.
The abuse of this level of access is what is commonly known as "looping." Looping describes the act of a customer making multiple purchases within a short time frame to circumvent legal purchase limits at cannabis dispensaries. By making repeated transactions, individuals can acquire quantities beyond the legal restrictions, potentially diverting products into unregulated markets.
While there have been a few high profile cases that have underscored the necessity for clear regulatory guidelines for purchasing product, there are effective strategies to address such concerns without imposing overly restrictive measures on patients. For example, by redefining what constitutes a "single transaction" as multiple transfers to the same customer on the same business day, Colorado effectively limits excessive purchases without needing a weekly or monthly cap.
Medical marijuana regulations should aim to balance patient access to necessary medication with the state's responsibility to prevent the diversion of cannabis into unregulated markets. The proposed change represents a significant departure from Oklahoma's prior patient-centric approach to police what is likely a very small percentage of patient purchasing activity.
That being said, even with the change Oklahoma will still have some of the more generous patient allowances. In Florida for example, patients are only allowed 2.5 ounces every 35 days. However, as in other more restrictive markets, patients requiring higher quantities can seek exceptions through their certifying physicians. As of now, senate bill 320 offers patients no flexibility for higher consumption even if prescribed by a physician.
When crafting policies like SB 320, regulators must remember they are overseeing a medical industry—not a criminal enterprise. The language and strategies employed often feel rooted in suspicion, treating patients and businesses as though they are guilty until proven innocent.
Medical marijuana patients rely on this system for relief from chronic pain, debilitating conditions and other serious health issues. Dispensaries and producers, meanwhile, operate under stringent compliance frameworks to ensure safe, legal access for these patients.
By prioritizing more punitive measures each legislative session, the state risks alienating compliant participants and undermining trust in the program. This is especially true when policies like SB 320 propose restrictive limits that:
Assume patients may divert medicine without evidence.
Place undue burdens on businesses to enforce arbitrary caps.
Fail to recognize the legitimate medical needs of patients who rely on higher quantities.
Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program is meant to serve its citizens by providing a regulated, safe and accessible pathway to care. Regulation that casts a shadow of criminal suspicion over patients and businesses contradicts the very purpose of these laws.
The proposed solution in its current state inadvertently perpetuates stigma by framing the entirety of Oklahoma’s medical patient community (roughly 10% of the state) as potential bad actors. It unfairly casts doubt on patients' intentions and paints compliant users as risks rather than beneficiaries of a legal program.
Such narratives harm the trust between patients and regulators as well as risk undermining the credibility of the industry itself.
There is no evidence that suggests limiting patient access combats diversion. There is however the obvious risk of pushing patients with legitimate needs toward the black market to supplement their access to medicine—both jeopardizing their safety and the integrity of the legal market.
Effective diversion prevention often hinges on fine tuning tracking systems, strict enforcement measures and cooperation between regulators and the industry—not imposing broad restrictions that may penalize legitimate users. With no ability to work with a physician for exceptions to the rule, the rigidity of SB 320 could disproportionately impact patients with significant medical needs.
This proposal highlights the ongoing need for patient advocacy within Oklahoma's medical marijuana program. While regulatory oversight is essential, it must be balanced with the realities of patient care and industry sustainability. Measures like SB 320 risk alienating patients and legitimate operators alike, all while failing to adequately address systemic issues.
At Gies Law Firm, we share your passion for protecting the rights of patients and businesses in this vital industry. If you want to make your voice heard this legislative session, we are ready to stand with you. Beyond our voluntary efforts for the industry collective, we can explore options like crafting a powerful advocacy letter to ensure you or your business’ needs are front and center. Contact our team today if we can help you be heard.
