The Oklahoma Senate has approved legislation that would require annual training and credentialing for all employees working in the state’s medical marijuana industry.
(Photo credit: McAfee & Taft).
House Bill 2837 passed the Senate yesterday in a 31 to 14 vote, following its March approval in the House of Representatives by a vote of 86 to 9.
Before heading to Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk, the measure must return to the House for a final concurrence vote on Senate amendments. If given final approval, the new requirements would take effect on November 1, 2025.
Under the legislation, medical marijuana businesses would be required to ensure their employees complete educational training annually in order to receive or renew their work credentials. Training would need to be approved by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and could cover topics such as state laws and rules, patient privacy regulations, and safe handling and storage practices.
Employees would also need to pass a fingerprint-based background check administered through a third-party vendor contracted by OMMA. The vendor would handle credential processing and verify eligibility.
The bill includes an amendment changing the effective date for mandatory training from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027, allowing businesses and regulators additional time to implement the new system.
Representative Burns and Senator Coleman are the primary sponsors of the legislation.
