Complete Guide to Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program–directed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA)–has evolved dramatically in recent years to provide patients with safe, regulated access to cannabis for various medical conditions. The state has established a robust framework that not only outlines eligibility requirements for patients and physicians but also enforces strict guidelines for cultivation, distribution, and usage to ensure quality and safety. Additionally, the state has provisions for caregivers to assist eligible patients, enhancing the program’s accessibility. This approach allows Oklahoma to balance patient needs with responsible use, helping those who benefit from medical marijuana receive their treatment legally and safely.

Freedom Road in Oklahoma City is a full-service licensed grow house and dispensary providing high-quality, carefully curated medical marijuana products, and take seriously our responsibility to educate consumers on Oklahoma’s complex medical marijuana laws and regulations. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or commercial grower, you deserve to be an informed member of the medical marijuana community, and it is our mission to provide clear, concise information that outlines the intricacies and nuances of medical marijuana laws in Oklahoma so you can navigate this landscape with confidence.

If you’re unsure of how to get started with medical marijuana, we’re here to help. This complete guide has all the facts and information you need to know about medical marijuana in Oklahoma. We’ll cover all aspects, including how it differs from recreational marijuana, the benefits of it, and the different forms which medical marijuana is available in.

How Medical Marijuana is Different from Recreational Marijuana

One of the primary differences between medical and recreational marijuana is how they’re regulated. In Oklahoma, recreational marijuana is illegal, and the state has strict laws that govern who can use medical marijuana, how much they can possess, and where they can buy it. (For more on the language of cannabis legality and decriminalization, visit our resource page here.)

Some other areas in which they differ are:

Potency

Medical marijuana is often thought to be more potent than recreational products. But this is not necessarily true and depends on the levels of CBD and THC compounds in them.

Many medical marijuana products may have higher levels of CBD, which is the non-psychoactive compound that has therapeutic effects without the “high” caused by THC. Recreational marijuana often has higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD, but there are also medical marijuana products available with higher THC levels for conditions that require stronger pain relief or symptom management.

Regulation

Medical marijuana in Oklahoma is tightly regulated. Dispensaries must be licensed, and all products must be lab-tested to make sure they meet safety standards. This testing helps patients be confident they are receiving high-quality, medical-grade products. Recreational marijuana, when legal in other states, typically falls under different regulations and may be subject to limited testing, even when sold by a dispensary.

It’s important to remember that because recreational marijuana is illegal in Oklahoma, any use of marijuana without a valid license is considered a crime. If you’re interested in exploring marijuana for medical use, follow the steps to legally get a patient license and only purchase from licensed dispensaries.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Oklahoma

In 2018, Oklahoma voters passed State Question 788. This legalized the use of medical marijuana and was the start of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program. Today, qualified patients can legally use marijuana to treat a variety of conditions, as long as they have a valid medical marijuana license.

To qualify, patients must consult with a doctor who can recommend medical marijuana based on their health conditions. While there is no strict list of qualifying conditions, some of the most common ones patients may want to try medical marijuana are for chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD.

Oklahoma has relatively flexible laws for medical marijuana as compared to other states. Patients as young as 18 can apply for a license, and caregivers can apply on behalf of minors. The process for obtaining a patient license is straightforward, with an online application and about a two-week timeline to receive your card.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana

Oklahoma doesn’t have an official list of qualification conditions for medical marijuana like some other states do. Doctors have more discretion when recommending medical marijuana and can treat patients with a wide range of conditions with it.

Some of the most common conditions treated with medical marijuana in Oklahoma include:

• Chronic Pain: Many patients find that marijuana provides relief from chronic or persistent pain. Pain from injuries, arthritis, and other conditions often responds well to marijuana.
• PTSD: Medical marijuana, especially with higher CBD levels, has been shown to help veterans and others dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Cancer: Some cancer patients use marijuana to manage pain, nausea, and the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Certain types of medical marijuana, especially products with high levels of CBD, have been shown to reduce seizures in some patients.
• Anxiety and Depression: Marijuana can help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Types of Medical Marijuana Products

Medical marijuana comes in many forms, and patients are allowed to choose the type that works best for them. The most common types available at licensed dispensaries in Oklahoma include:

• Flower: This refers to the dried and cured flower bud of the cannabis plant. Traditional flower is often smoked or vaporized. It’s available in a wide variety of strains, which have different effects depending on the ratio of THC to CBD.
• Edibles: Edibles are food products made with cannabis and can include baked goods, chocolates, mints, gummies, and beverages. They provide an easy way for patients to consume marijuana without smoking. They also are often more potent and can take longer to take effect.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts and are considered a type of edible. They are placed under the tongue or added to food and beverages. One of the main benefits of tinctures is they allow for precise dosing.
• Concentrates: Concentrates are extracts like oils, waxes, and shatter that are concentrated and potent. They are typically vaporized and have higher levels of THC or CBD.
• Topicals: Topicals are applied directly to the skin and include creams, balms, and lotions that have been infused with marijuana. They are often used for pain relief, inflammation, or skin conditions.

Each type of product can have a range of potency and varied effects, so it’s important to work with knowledgeable staff at a reputable dispensary — like Freedom Road — to find the right product for your condition.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has many benefits for patients with chronic conditions or pain. Some of the most well-documented benefits include:

• Pain Relief: Marijuana has a long history of being used for its pain-relieving properties. It can be particularly helpful for patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain.
• Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Many patients report that medical marijuana helps them manage anxiety such as with PTSD or general anxiety disorders
• Anti-Inflammatory: Marijuana can help reduce inflammation in the body. This helps manage symptoms that come with autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, IBS, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sleep Aid: For those with insomnia or other sleep disorders, certain strains of marijuana may help improve your quality of sleep.
• Stimulates Appetite: Medical marijuana can help patients who have lost their appetite due to chemotherapy, chronic illness, or other treatments.

While marijuana isn’t a cure-all, many patients find it helps significantly with reducing their symptoms. Consult with your doctor to determine if medical marijuana is the right course of treatment for you and to be sure that you’re using it safely.

How to Get Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma

To be able to get and use medical marijuana in Oklahoma, patients must first get an OMMA (Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority) patient license. You’ll need to have a doctor’s recommendation and apply through the state’s OMMA website.

Through the licensing portal, you’ll need to submit an application and some required documentation including a state ID, a recommendation from your physician, and proof of residency. The application fee is $100 and, if approved, the card must be renewed every two years.

Once you have your card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary. At Freedom Road, our knowledgeable staff can help guide you through the process and answer all your questions about different products and their effects.

You should also be aware of Oklahoma’s possession limits. You are only allowed up to three ounces on your person and up to eight ounces stored at home.

Make Freedom Road in Oklahoma City Your Stop for Medical Marijuana

The legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma has opened the doors to a legal, regulated way for patients to purchase various cannabis products to treat a range of conditions, and more Oklahomans are turning to medical marijuana as an effective, medication-free way to improve their quality of life.

At Freedom Road, we’re committed to helping guide our customers through the complexities of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana laws. We understand the importance of safe, potent, and locally sourced medical marijuana products, and we promise to provide you with the most current, reliable, and accurate information possible to ensure you have a positive experience.

If you’re considering medical marijuana, be sure to follow the state guidelines and consult with your doctor about obtaining a patient license and visit the Freedom Road dispensary in Oklahoma City. Whether you need more information about applying for a medical marijuana card, need help finding a provider, or simply want to keep up with the latest news, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here for you as your trusted partner on the road to better health.

Still have questions? Visit our Oklahoma medical marijuana FAQs, our medical marijuana law resource page, or contact us here.