On June 26, 2018, Oklahomans voted overwhelmingly to pass State Question 788. This made the Sooner State the 30th state in the union to legalize a medical cannabis program. This historic event not only laid the groundwork to create the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority but created the framework that allows residents to become licensed to use medical marijuana. Ever since the formation of the medical program in Oklahoma, there has been a surge of interest in medical marijuana.
Patients want to quickly get licensed and get into a legal dispensary to buy everything from flower by the ounce to concentrates & carts, and even Rick Simpson Oil. One of the most common concerns, however, is whether a physical ID card is needed to get into a dispensary.
Since many patients are notified of their approval before the card actually arrives, they are understandably eager to get stocked up on their preferred products. We’re going to dig into just what you’ll need to be able to shop your local dispensary, and how to best take advantage of local offers and discounts.
The short answer is no.
You will need a physical, state-issued medical marijuana card in order to even enter a dispensary. In most cases, once you enter the dispensary you will be required to present your medical card and photo ID to be allowed entry to the main sales floor.
Additionally, the law requires that anyone in possession of marijuana or other cannabis products, for medical purposes, to have a medical card. This means that even if you could get into a dispensary and buy something without a card, you would still be breaking the law by not being licensed to possess the products. This is crucial if you are stopped by law enforcement while transporting your medicine home.
Even though you’ll need a medical card to get into any medical marijuana dispensary in the Sooner State, getting one isn’t complicated, and once you’ve got it you’ll be able to get the medicine and care you need. Here’s a quick rundown on the steps you’ll need to take to get legal.
There are some basic qualifications that you’ll need to meet before you can make an official application, but it’s generally quick and easy. First, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, and be able to prove your identity. You’ll also need to include current, valid proof of Oklahoma residency, and a full-face color digital picture.
The final qualifier is that your application will also need to include a recommendation from a licensed physician, which is the step that most people dread. However, unlike the medical programs in many other states, Oklahoma has not legislated a specific list of conditions that qualify. There are even telehealth services that allow you to meet with a physician, virtually, to obtain the recommendation needed for your Oklahoma medical card.
Once you have the required documentation and your physician’s recommendation, you’ll need to submit the application to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority or OMMA. They are the governing body charged with approving and licensing all activities related to medical cannabis.
Once you’ve got your card in the mail, all that’s left is to shop for your meds. Many patients will visit a dispensary that same day, and probably spend more than they need to on their purchase.
Before you head out, the best thing to do is browse the dispensary’s inventories, look for deals, and place your order. This way you can get the best price on what you want, and it can help avoid impulse buys that may or may not be economical. Below are some of the most popular medical marijuana categories.
Dried flower is one of the most popular ways to consume medical cannabis. Not only is there a wide variety of strains and effects available, but it is often one of the most cost-effective products. Many dispensaries offer deals for flower by the ounce.
Like flower, but don’t like the hassle of constantly grinding it and rolling your own? Skip the whole process with professional prerolls. Same medicine without the wait, and perfect for portability.
Concentrates, dabs, wax. Call it what you will, but cannabis extracts are one of the hottest ways to consume. You can get a robust dose in just one or two hits while getting a richer terpene profile for the best smell and taste you can imagine.
For the potency of concentrates with unmatched portability, vape carts are the way to go. Full of delicious terpenes, and some of the highest potency products available.
With many conditions, smoking or even vaping can prove too harsh or difficult. For more convenient dosing, edibles like gummies, candy, and even drinks can have you feeling better fast.
Many people prefer to grow their own, putting their own love and care into their medicine. To keep your garden full to its limits, local dispensaries will also have clones and seeds. Find deals on the strains you love, and get your green thumb working.
The Oklahoma medical marijuana industry is booming, and with a little effort and a license fee, any residents with qualifying conditions and a physician’s recommendation can begin shopping. The state is also ready to ask Oklahomans to vote on State Question 819, which if passed, will create a recreational marijuana market for the Sooner State in just two months.
While many other states have been able to pass recreational legislation on top of previously-approved medical infrastructure, some have failed or have taken much longer to implement. With that in mind, you may want to get your medical card now so that you can avoid delays, as well as take advantage of the ongoing coupons and sales that many dispensaries have.