Alvord Secures Committee Approval for Common Sense Reforms on Medical Marijuana Labels and Business Licenses

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Senate Business and Insurance Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 518, which requires warning labels on medical marijuana products to educate consumers about the dangers of driving after use. Sen. Jerry Alvord, the bill’s author and the committee’s vice chair, said this legislation will bring medical marijuana packaging up to medical standards with all other medical drugs that have the capacity to impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.

“I’m running this bill on behalf of victims and their families,” Alvord said. “I’ve had some very heartfelt meetings with Victims of Impaired Driving (VOID) and heard the testimonies of these families who have been victims of senseless tragedies. I’ll continue to advocate on behalf of these families and victims as this bill advances to the Senate floor.”

Alvord, R-Wilson, also secured the committee’s approval for a measure to put parameters and limitations on the licensing and permitting process of marijuana business entities. Senate Bill 1039 directs the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to deny any medical marijuana business license application that has been resubmitted more than once for a material deficiency or recurring clerical error that has not been resolved through consecutive submissions.

Alvord noted this will help to resolve local challenges related to the license application process, while allowing business owners adequate time to correct their applications and resubmit without additional fees.

Both bills now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Jerry Alvord at (405) 521-5607 or Jerry.Alvord@oksenate.gov.