Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing another extension of the state’s pause on issuing new medical cannabis business licenses, a move that could also lead to a long-term limit on the number of grow operations once the freeze is lifted.
Two measures, House Bill 3143 and House Bill 3144, would adjust the moratorium first approved in 2022. Unless legislators act, the current pause on new licenses will end on August 1.
State Representative Rusty Cornwell, sponsor of both proposals, said the goal is to bring order to a market that expanded rapidly after voters legalized medical cannabis. He stressed that the legislation is not intended to weaken the medical cannabis system established by voters. Instead, he described it as an effort to stabilize an industry that saw a surge of business applications in its early years.
Under HB 3143, the current moratorium would remain in place until 2028. HB 3144 would establish a cap of 2,550 grower licenses, but only after the broader moratorium expires. The proposed ceiling represents a modest increase from the present total of 2,164 licensed growers statewide.
Cornwell said estimates vary widely on how many cultivation sites are truly needed to serve patients. Some industry voices argue that far fewer facilities could meet demand. He chose not to pursue a lower figure, explaining that he wanted to leave room for competition while preventing another sharp spike in license numbers.
Several business owners and advocates say the extension would give regulators and operators time to catch up. Jed Green, who heads Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, also voiced support for the measures. Green described the bills as practical steps while state agencies continue refining oversight.
He noted that extending the moratorium for two more years and setting a future cap makes sense for now, though he acknowledged the policy will likely need review when 2028 approaches. Green praised lawmakers for taking what he called a proactive stance in managing the program.
The proposals were among several topics discussed during a recent meeting of the state Medical Marijuana Authority Executive Advisory Council. The authority oversees licensing and compliance for cannabis businesses across the state.
Both bills advanced to the Senate after clearing the House with limited backing from members of both parties. Lawmakers will now decide whether to keep the pause in place and chart a more controlled path forward for one of the state’s most closely watched industries.
The wider marijuana industry, including firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) with operations in other states, is likely to welcome this forward-looking approach that officials in Oklahoma are taking to limit oversaturation in the MMJ market there.
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