Oklahoma Regulators Uncover Thousands of Untagged Cannabis Plants and Arrest Licensee

LOS ANGELES– Oklahoma’s medical cannabis industry faced a significant setback when regulators discovered approximately 4,000 untagged cannabis plants and over 630 pounds of untagged cannabis at a licensed grow facility. The discovery, made during an inspection at Gold Leaf Acres by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), came as a result of an anonymous complaint. The inspection also revealed undisclosed harvest rooms on the property, which added to the gravity of the findings.

Following the inspection, the licensee was promptly arrested on charges of drug trafficking offenses and obstructing an officer. The OMMA executive director, Adria Berry, emphasized the urgency of their response, stating that the agency had to “act fast” based on the tip they received. The arrest was carried out with the assistance of U.S. Marshals at the Tulsa International Airport.

In a press release, Berry underscored the importance of public health and safety, praising the compliance inspectors and enforcement agents for their diligent efforts to maintain these standards while halting potential large-scale diversion. Berry expressed satisfaction that one less bad actor was operating a business that could jeopardize public health and the integrity of the medical cannabis market in the state.

Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program has been known for its permissiveness, and in an attempt to address concerns of diversion, lawmakers in the last session passed several bills aimed at curbing such activities. A recent Cannabis Public Policy Consulting study, commissioned by OMMA, revealed that medical cannabis growers in Oklahoma may be producing an excessive amount—64 times more cannabis than needed for the state’s patient population. This oversupply is believed to contribute significantly to the illicit market, both at the cultivation stage and at the retail point of sale.

As regulators continue to confront challenges related to compliance and illicit cannabis activity, ensuring the integrity and proper oversight of the medical cannabis industry remains a priority to foster a safe and responsible market environment in Oklahoma