The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has set the stage for a significant shift in the state’s cannabis industry. Dispensary owners and consumers are facing a wave of uncertainty as the rules associated with House Bill 3361 start to take shape. Governor Stitt signed this bill into law earlier this year, sparking concerns about how dispensaries will adapt to a new era of pre-packaged products.
The Essentials of House Bill 3361
House Bill 3361 outlines that starting June 1, 2025, all medical marijuana products in Oklahoma must be sold in pre-packaged forms, each weighing no more than three ounces. The move aims to regulate the way cannabis is displayed and sold in dispensaries. While it has been on the legislative floor for the past three years, its approval has brought new challenges and unanswered questions.
Dispensary owners have voiced concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on product quality and customer experience. Many are questioning how this will affect the freshness and overall appeal of the products.
From Deli-Style to Pre-Packaged: A Major Shift
Currently, medical marijuana in Oklahoma is displayed in jars, giving customers the opportunity to see and smell the product before purchasing. This practice, known as deli-style display, offers a more interactive shopping experience. However, under the new law, this will change.
Representative T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow, has been advocating for pre-packaged marijuana sales for years. The bill does not explicitly state whether dispensaries can open pre-packaged products for display purposes. This ambiguity has led to debates, with lawmakers pointing out gaps in the bill’s language. Representative Mickey Dollens, R-Oklahoma City, highlighted this issue during a legislative session, noting that there is no clear provision allowing or prohibiting dispensaries from transferring products into deli-style containers.
Dispensary Owners Raise Concerns
For dispensary owners, the changes are worrisome. Many are asking if they will be able to open the pre-packaged bags to show the product to customers or if customers will have the chance to smell the product before purchasing. These questions are crucial, as many consumers prefer to make their purchases based on sight and smell, which are key factors in customer satisfaction and product trust.
Owners also point out that consumers often prefer the deli-style experience, which allows them to choose from a visible selection. The shift to pre-packaged products could make this interaction less personal and more challenging, especially for those who rely on sensory engagement to make purchasing decisions.
The OMMA’s Emergency Rules and Public Feedback
The OMMA released emergency rules on October 29, 2024, to help guide dispensary owners through this transition. These rules mention House Bill 3361 but include limited scenarios where dispensaries can open pre-packaged products. This has left many owners in a gray area, unsure of what is permissible and what is not.
In response to this confusion, the OMMA has announced a public comment period running from November 15 to December 17, where stakeholders can voice their concerns and suggest changes. More information will be shared on the OMMA’s website, social media channels, and through emails to licensees.
What’s Next for Oklahoma’s Cannabis Industry?
As Oklahoma moves toward implementing House Bill 3361, both dispensary owners and consumers are left navigating a shifting landscape. The new regulations could potentially reshape the customer experience, emphasizing pre-packaged products over the more personalized deli-style interactions.
For those concerned about product freshness, transparency, and the ability to interact with products before buying, the upcoming public comment period presents a critical opportunity to influence the final implementation.
Industry stakeholders and consumers alike are watching closely to see how the rules will evolve before the June 1, 2025 deadline. The coming months will be key in determining how Oklahoma’s cannabis market adapts and thrives under these new conditions.
