Cannabis has brought a lot to Oklahoma in the last three years, but for local farmers, a whole new set of challenges have arisen as a result of the boom.
With new outdoor farms popping up, rural growers have in recent months raised concerns over regulations and enforcement around grow permits, land sales, herbicide drift liability, and rural water and electric usage.
Meanwhile, the number of cannabis grows permitted in September had exceeded the number of wheat, pork, soybean, cotton, and dairy farms, according to a recent letter to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Association from several Oklahoma agricultural groups.
Farmers and advocacy groups have continued to reach out to legislators and OMMA, hoping for help.
Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, has lauded the recent work of OMMA and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, but says progress still needs to be made.
