Oklahoma's medical marijuana businesses will need to appoint a "managing owner" to assume chief responsibility for compliance and license management by September 5, the agency announced on Friday.
Businesses will also be able to add three other "affiliates" to their license: other part-owners or employees, who can also interface with OMMA regarding licensing and other regulatory issues. According to the agency, the change is because of a switch to the new MedPortal system.
"The managing owner information is required ahead of the portal's fall launch to ensure a smooth transition for all and will result in more efficient communication when follow-up regarding the businesses is needed," OMMA director of communications Porsha Riley said in a statement.
The agency did not explain if the change is also prompted by a crackdown on straw ownership schemes, and otherwise illegal marijuana operations. On Friday, several business owners, attorneys, and industry activists told News 9 they were hearing of the requirement for the first time, and hadn't yet fully digested the change. Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action is the group behind Oklahoma's latest effort to open a recreational marijuana market, known as SQ 837.
Read more at News9
