Sen. McCortney named co-chair of bipartisan medical marijuana working group

State Sen. Greg McCortney has been chosen to co-chair a bipartisan, bicameral working group examining the best way to implement medical marijuana in Oklahoma.  The first meeting will be this Wednesday, June 25, at 2:00 in room 535 of the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.

“Oklahoma voters chose to have medical marijuana when they voted for the passage of State Question 788 in June.  It’s important to ensure the will of the people is followed, while developing the regulatory structure to make the system safe and effective as possible,” said McCortney, R- Ada.  “I’m honored to be entrusted with such an important task.  It’s a complex issue, but we are ready to get to work.”

McCortney was appointed by Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore-Designate Greg Treat to co-chair the group, which will meet with various stakeholders and then make recommendations on a permanent regulatory framework for the implementation of SQ 788.  The meetings are open to the public.

In addition to co-chairing the medical marijuana working group, McCortney also serves on the Senate’s committees on Health and Human Services, the Appropriations Committee on Health, Appropriations, Public Safety and Transportation. A former Mayor of Ada, he also owns and operates home care and hospice facilities.

“It’s important to respect the will of the people as we work to develop a structure that will take into account the need for safe products for patients in Oklahoma,” McCortney said.  “That’s what my fellow members and I will be focused on as we move forward with this important task.”