Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry is about to change. House Bill 3361, passed earlier this year, will bring new rules for how dispensaries sell their products. By June 1, 2025, dispensaries won’t be able to sell marijuana in deli-style displays anymore. Instead, all marijuana must be sold in pre-packaged containers.
These changes have many dispensary owners, customers, and others in the industry concerned. Let’s look at what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how businesses like Dura-Pack can help dispensaries adjust.
What Are the New Rules?
Dispensaries use glass jars to display their products to customers. This lets people see, smell, and ask questions before buying. It creates a personal shopping experience. But House Bill 3361 will end this practice.
Starting in 2025, marijuana must be sold in pre-packaged containers that hold no more than three ounces. This means dispensaries can no longer sell products in bulk using the deli-style model.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) shared emergency rules in October 2024 to help dispensaries understand and follow the new law.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The new law wants to make medical marijuana safer and more consistent. Pre-packaged marijuana is easier to track from the grower to the store. This helps prevent tampering or contamination. It also ensures that products meet state rules.
Supporters say the law will help people trust the medical marijuana program. They think sealed packaging looks more professional and matches rules in other states.
But not everyone thinks these changes are good. Dispensary owners and customers worry about how it will change the shopping experience.
Concerns from Dispensaries
Some dispensary owners feel unready for the new rules. Shaun Branch owns a dispensary. He worries that prepackaged cannabis might degrade If it sits in bags too long, it could lose its smell or strength.
Branch and others also worry about shoppers. Many people like to see and smell marijuana before they buy it. This makes the shopping experience unique. Pre-packaged products take this away and could frustrate customers.
What About the Rules?
The emergency rules released by OMMA add more questions to the mix. According to some lawmakers, the rules don’t clearly say whether dispensaries can open pre-packaged containers to show customers what’s inside. Representative Mickey Dollens pointed out that while the law doesn’t specifically allow this, it also doesn’t forbid it. This gray area has left dispensary owners unsure about what they can and can’t do.
Dispensaries are now asking if they’ll still be able to open packages, let customers smell the product, or display samples in jars. Until the rules are clarified, these questions remain unanswered.
How Will This Affect Customers?
Pre-packaged marijuana will change how they shop. They won’t be able to see or smell the product. Instead, they’ll have to trust the labels and packaging. This might feel frustrating, especially for those who enjoy the hands-on experience of choosing marijuana.
Pre-packaged products do have some benefits. Labels and sealed containers can help customers feel sure that what they’re buying is fresh and safe. For some, this might make up for the changes.
Still, many customers will miss the deli-style displays. It’s not clear yet if they’ll get used to the new system.
What Does This Mean for Dispensaries?
Switching to pre-packaged marijuana will be challenging. They need quality suppliers for packaging that must raise their standards to fit the new rules. Companies like DuraPack can help with this transition.
DuraPack makes packaging for marijuana products. They offer strong, airtight bags and clear labels. Partnering with DuraPack can make the switch to pre-packaged products easier.
Good packaging isn’t just about following the law. It also helps keep customer trust. When products look secure and professional, customers feel more confident buying them. DuraPack helps dispensaries deal with new packaging rules and regulations, keeping customers happy.
What’s Next?
The OMMA has set a public comment period from November 15 to December 17, 2024. This gives dispensary owners, customers, and others in the industry a chance to share their concerns about the new rules.
Dispensaries should begin preparing. They need to invest in pre-packaged products, adjust their workflows, and train staff on the new rules.
References:
- Denwalt, D. (2024, December 7). OMMA accepting comments on medical marijuana rules. The Oklahoman. Retrieved from https://www.oklahoman.com/story/business/2024/12/07/omma-accepting-comments-on-medical-marijuana-rules/76822710007/
- Elyse, H. (2024, October 31). New bill requires pre-packaged marijuana products. KFOR. Retrieved from https://kfor.com/news/local/new-bill-requires-pre-packaged-marijuana-products/
- Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. (2024, October 29). Emergency rules effective October 29, 2024. Retrieved from https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/omma/content/rules/October%2029%202024%20OMMA%20Emergency%20Rules.pdf
- Oklahoma State Legislature. (2024). House Bill 3361. Retrieved from http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3361&Session=2400