Bill > SB643

This bill modifies Oklahoma's medical marijuana regulations by significantly tightening residency and citizenship requirements for marijuana-related businesses. Specifically, the bill eliminates the previous provision that allowed up to 25% non-resident ownership of medical marijuana dispensaries, commercial growers, and processors, and now mandates that all owners, members, managers, and board members must be Oklahoma residents. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that all employees and owners of medical marijuana facilities must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or temporary residents. The bill defines "employees" broadly, including anyone involved in growing, processing, testing, transporting, or tracking marijuana, and "owners" as anyone with a direct beneficial interest in a marijuana-related business. The new regulations aim to restrict marijuana business participation to U.S. and Oklahoma residents, potentially limiting out-of-state investment and involvement in the state's medical marijuana industry. These changes will take effect on November 1, 2025, giving businesses time to adjust to the new ownership and employment requirements.