PRESS RELEASE - Gov. Mary Fallin, who opposed SQ 788 during the campaign, had previously threatened to hold a special session of the legislature to undo major components of the medical marijuana access ballot initiative.
Gov. Fallin appears to have reversed this position in a press release, stating, “After conferring with House and Senate leaders, we believe a special legislative session is not necessary to implement provisions of State Question 788. The Oklahoma State Department of Health has developed emergency rules that will ensure the health and safety of Oklahomans as well as being fair and balanced for the marijuana industry. The Health Department has been working with other agencies the past several months to develop a medical and proper regulatory framework to make sure marijuana use is truly for valid medical reasons. The voters have spoken, and it’s important that our state has a responsible system up and running to meet the deadlines outlined in State Question 788. If circumstances develop that adjustments to the Health Department rules are necessary, those can be addressed when lawmakers return in regular session early next year.”
In response, NORML Political Director Justin Strekal stated, "Governor Fallin's decisions to respect the will of the voters and allow SQ 788 to go into effect is the right one. The Oklahoma Department of Health's plan to implement the new initiative in a good faith manner that is within the spirit of the law is welcome news for the thousands of patients who will be able to benefit from a swiftly implemented, patient-first medical program."
Further information and draft regulations from the Oklahoma Department of Health are available here: http://omma.ok.gov
