The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: 2025 Medical Marijuana legislation
The 2025 legislative session is underway in Oklahoma and the medical marijuana industry is once again in the spotlight. With a range of bills already pre-filed, we’re seeing proposals that could shape the future of patient access, business operations and industry compliance. From promising advancements to some burdensome restrictions—and a rather shocking war on women—here’s a closer look at the good, the bad and the ugly of what’s on the table so far. Each bill is linked to the full text to read more directly. Stay informed to navigate the challenges ahead with confidence.
THE Good
(or otherwise neutral)
SB 534 - Authorizes medical marijuana delivery services, expanding accessibility for patients unable to visit dispensaries.
SB 697 - Clarifies transportation warehouse permitting requirements, potentially streamlining logistics for medical marijuana businesses.
SB 774 - Streamlines patient verification by reducing the verification number from 24 to 12 digits and adding a PDF417 barcode for improved system compatibility and ease of use.
SB 1104 - Enhances the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system by requiring vendor to have capabilities for: flexible data exchange infrastructure, API or technology-based submissions, automated reporting for discrepancies and integrated payment, sales and tax collection tools.
SB 498 - Aligns revocation hearings with the Oklahoma Pleading Code (Title 12, Section 2001 et seq.), standardizing legal procedures for such cases.
HB 2176 - Amends the tax code to formalize the retention of fees collected within the medical marijuana program.
HB 2057 - Allocates 1.15% of medical marijuana tax revenue to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund, providing additional support for trauma-related medical services.
SB 205 - Establishes a research license and specifies eligible entities.
SB 39 - Protects the eligibility of medical marijuana cardholders to obtain handgun permits, preserving their second amendment rights.
HB 1714 - Strengthens employment protections for medical marijuana patients.
The Bad
(or generally adds to expenses or compliance risk)
SB 643 - Restricts ownership of medical marijuana businesses to state residents, disallowing non-residents from participating in business ownership
SB 1039 - Directs the Authority to deny applications resubmitted more than once due to unresolved material deficiencies or recurring clerical errors across consecutive submissions.
SB 640 - Expands the required distance between dispensaries and schools from 1,000 feet to 3,000 feet.
SB 191 - Revises marketing restrictions for medical marijuana businesses, banning claims that consumption is safe, marketing flavored products as healthier alternatives and using promotional tools like flashing signs, banners, or tube men. Prohibits advertising that suggests social, physical or athletic benefits and restricts the use of discounts or coupons.
SB 518 - Mandates the addition of a new warning label on marijuana products, cautioning users about the impairments to concentration, coordination and judgment and emphasizing the legal consequences of driving under the influence.
SB 2237 - Establishes a credentialing system for "Marijuana Consultants" with defined qualifications and employee standards. Prohibits credentialed employees from making recommendations that influence broader medical treatments and introduces complaint processes that could lead to credential revocation.
SB 1066 - Requires the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to maintain a registry of recommending physicians by January 1, 2026. Also mandates the development of continuing education requirements for these physicians.
SB 2837 - Introduces an annual educational training requirement for employees seeking or renewing credentials, with proof of completion mandatory for credential submission.
SB 786 - Prohibits open containers of medical marijuana in the passenger area of vehicles, as well as consumption by drivers or passengers. Increases associated fines from $150 to $250.
SB 1092 - Requires all licensed medical marijuana growers to submit an odor control plan by January 1, 2027, addressing concerns about environmental impact.
HB 2897 - Mandates dispensaries to display a prominent sign warning that ingesting THC products during pregnancy can harm unborn child development, using bold, uppercase lettering near the cash register.
SB 23 - Criminalizes the act of smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuana in a vehicle in the presence of minors
SB 634 - Adds the Executive Director of OMMA to the Impaired Driving Prevention Advisory Committee, reinforcing leadership in addressing impaired driving issues.
SB 398 - Modifies administrative procedures for orders to show cause, limits jurisdiction and venue for certain actions and provides guidelines for quashing or modifying subpoenas, aiming to streamline legal processes.
The Ugly
SB 320 - Limits patient purchases of medical marijuana to a maximum of 2.5 ounces per week.
SB 332 - Increases the annual dispensary licensing fee to a flat rate of $4,500, regardless of business size or tier.
HB 1163 - Lowers the threshold for aggravated trafficking offenses from 1,000 pounds to 100 pounds, imposing stricter penalties for possession of large quantities.
SB 522 - Proposes the creation of a task force to evaluate and recommend purchase and possession limits for medical marijuana patients. The task force will consult various stakeholders and submit a report by November 1, 2026.
SB 1125 - Permits municipalities and counties to impose excise taxes on medical marijuana sales, contingent on approval in a general election.
HB 1750 - Criminalizes the consumption of cannabis by pregnant women.
HB 2737 - Redefines "neglect" to include the use of medical marijuana by pregnant women, regardless of their licensure status, broadening child welfare scrutiny.
HB 2104 - Classifies possession of 25 pounds or more of cannabis as a Class B3 felony and possession of 1,000 pounds (100 lbs under HB 1163's proposal) or more as a Class B2 felony with severe legal penalties.
Unknown (shell bills)
HB 1318- Establishes the "Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Business Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2025" to streamline regulatory processes (details pending development).
Stay tuned with Gies Law Firm as we’ll be breaking many of these bills down and exploring them in much greater detail.
