Patient applications for Oklahoma’s medicinal cannabis program have jumped more than 70% in under six weeks.
Early last month we reported 33,099 patient applications had been received by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) as at December 31, 2018.
Last week, OMMA announced the following statistics, as at February 11:
- 57,401 patient applications received
- 383 caregiver applications received
- 3,466 business applications received
- 43,840 patient applications approved
- 267 caregiver applications approved
- 947 dispensary licenses approved
- 1,600 grower licenses approved
- 436 processor licenses approved
It’s quite a stunning set of stats. It means that since the beginning of this year, OMMA has received on average 578 applications per day. In terms of patient application approvals, they are running at an average of 595 per business day – it’s a remarkable effort.
Added to the pressure of an application backlog, there also needs to be product available for all those new patients. OMMA has been making good progress on this front as well, with 142 dispensary applications approved between January 1 and February 11. Additionally, close to 300 grower licences have been approved during the period, along with 95 processor licenses.
OMMA’s achievements are remarkable given that it was only in June of 2018 that Oklahoma voters approved medical marijuana through the passage of State Question 788. 56.86% voted in favour.
Four main factors are likely driving the popularity of the program. First is the Oklahoma program does not have a list of qualifying conditions. It only requires doctors recommend patients medical cannabis if they believe it will be beneficial in treating or managing a condition.
Another aspect is an online application system for patient and commercial medical marijuana licenses, which was rolled out on August 25 last year. No doubt that has its bugs, but the numbers attest to it generally working well.
A wide range of medical cannabis options are legal – including dry flower, CBD products, seedlings, liquids, edibles and vapeable products. Seedlings? Yes, registered Oklahoma medical cannabis patients can also home-grow – up to six mature plants in their own home.
It would be very interesting to see some current numbers on sales of medical cannabis products in the state.
More information on Oklahoma’s program can be found on the OMMA web site.
