Oklahoma legislative leaders announce e-mail to accept public comment on medical marijuana implementation

Oklahoma City - Members of the public have another way to share their input on the regulation and implementation of medical marijuana in Oklahoma courtesy of a new e-mail address announced by the Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem-designate and the Oklahoma House Speaker.

Last week's meeting of the legislative working group on medical marijuana implementation appointed by Pro Tem-designate Greg Treat and Speaker Charles McCall featured a public comment period. Nearly two dozen citizens signed-in to speak during the public comment period of the meeting.

“The public comment period was successful and beneficial for members of the committee. Since there is not enough time during meetings to accommodate everyone who wants to speak, we are setting up an e-mail address to accept public comment on the implementation of medical marijuana,” said Treat (R-Oklahoma City).

“The goal of this working group is to solicit input from stakeholders on all sides of the issue and adding public commenting into the process will serve to make the committee’s recommendations more robust. At the end of the day, the Legislature is working to ensure the successful and safe implementation of State Question 788 in accordance with the will of the voters.”

“Lawmakers in the legislative working group are seeking a path forward to implement State Question 788 in a way that conforms to the desires of voters who passed the law,” said Speaker McCall (R-Atoka). “To do that effectively, the working group needs as much input as possible from citizens – supporters, advocates, patients, health-care providers, public safety and law enforcement officers and even those who have concerns.

“I would encourage all Oklahomans who have an interest in this issue to use this opportunity to share input and have their voices heard.“

Public comment can be sent to sq788@oksenate.gov. Messages received at that address will be shared with the members of the working group, who are working to develop recommendations on a permanent regulatory framework for the implementation of State Question 788. The working group meets each Wednesday at the Capitol.

The Gayly – August 29, 2018 @ 1 p.m. CDT.